EFF leader found guilty of discharging firearm in Public

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EFF leader Julius Malema has been found guilty by the East London Magistrate’s Court for discharging a live assault rifle during the party’s 2018 anniversary rally in Mdantsane.

The 44-year-old member of parliament has been convicted on charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharge of a firearm in a built-up area, failure to take reasonable precautions to person or property and reckless endangerment to person or property.

The charges follows the 28 July 2018 EFF rally held in Mdantsane, during which Malema fired a rifle in the air, allegedly belonging to a security company of which Adrian Snyman, Malema’s co-accused, was the director.

NPA Eastern Cape spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said he judgment reaffirms their commitment to upholding the rule of law and proper administration of justice, without fear or favour.

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He stated; “Since the matter was enrolled four years ago, the prosecution meticulously presented its evidence by calling 19 witnesses to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“After the state closed its case, Malema and Snyman subsequently made an application for a discharge in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which was dismissed by the court.”

The matter has been adjourned to 23 January 2026 for pre-sentencing.

EFF leader to appeal the verdict

Malema, who plans to appeal the verdict, described the ruling as a racist plot, while critics including AfriForum and the Democratic Alliance hailed it as upholding the rule of law; a prison term over 12 months could disqualify him from parliament.

Meanwhile, former correctional services deputy minister, Thabang Makwetla, was granted R10 000 bail following an appearance before the Palm Ridge Specialised commercial crimes court.

This relates to the contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and fraud, after his arrest by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

He and his matter was postponed to 04 November 2025 for disclosure.

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Henry Mamothame, IDAC spokesperson said the charges emanate from the alleged security upgrade to his home by BOSASA in 2015, valued at approximately R350 000.

“His repeated failure to disclose this material benefit to Parliament over four years, violated his legal and ethical duty under the Members of Parliament Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests,” he remarked.