The East London Magistrate’s Court took a decisive turn on Thursday when it set the date for the Julius Malema firearms trial in 2024.
Julius Malema firearms trial gets a date: Here’s everything you must know
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The outspoken leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and his bodyguard Adriaan Snyman, have been under scrutiny for a firearm discharge incident that occurred during the EFF’s fifth-anniversary celebrations in 2018.
The event was held at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium where Malema was caught on camera firing a rifle.
Amid a cloud of legal confrontations, the East London Magistrate’s Court denied a recent application made by Malema and Snyman to have their firearm charges dismissed.
At the time of his arrest, Malema argued that the firing was a simulation, forming part of the jubilations of the day.
However, the court has found enough grounds to proceed with the trial scheduled for July 2024.
In a flurry of expressions outside the East London Magistrate’s Court, Malema addressed a crowd of EFF supporters, criticising state prosecutors for what he described as a five-year-long legal battle aimed at suppressing his political ambitions in Buffalo City.
“They want to use the courts and abuse the State power and the security forces to suppress my voice – and they will never win against me because I am not scared of prison,” he exclaimed.
His words resonated with his usual fiery political rhetoric, as he showcased defiance and an undeterred spirit towards the legal challenges he faces.
Malema also utilised the platform to rally against the ANC where it enjoys a stronghold at the polls, blaming the ruling party for socio-economic issues faced by Buffalo City residents.
“A lot of our grannies have not received their money because the ANC has stolen the money. We are going to remove them in 2024. If you miss that opportunity, you must know your suffering is forever,” he warned.