Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been found guilty on five serious charges following a lengthy trial at the East London Magistrate’s Court. The charges, delivered by Magistrate Twanet Olivier, include unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public area, reckless endangerment of persons or property, and failing to take reasonable precautions to avoid danger. This conviction concludes a years-long legal battle stemming from a high-profile incident in 2018 that attracted widespread national and international attention.

The case originated from the EFF’s fifth-anniversary celebration held in 2018 at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane. During the event, viral footage circulated showing Malema being handed what appeared to be a rifle by his then-bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, before he discharged it into the air amidst cheering supporters. Lobby group AfriForum subsequently laid charges, initiating the legal proceedings. Both Malema and Snyman had consistently pleaded not guilty to all charges from the outset, with their defence team attempting to have the charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, an application that was ultimately dismissed.

Throughout the trial, Malema’s defence argued that the firearm was merely a toy prop used for dramatic effect and that it fired only blanks, asserting no witnesses could confirm live rounds were discharged. However, the court unequivocally dismissed this claim. Magistrate Olivier emphasized that the court’s decision was based on compelling visual evidence and multiple credible witness testimonies, which proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. She specifically noted the absence of any sign of bias in the state witnesses’ testimonies, reinforcing the credibility of the prosecution’s case, which argued that Malema’s actions endangered thousands of rally attendees.

A crucial aspect of the trial involved the admissibility of video evidence. Magistrate Olivier clarified that while a widely circulated viral video footage was deemed inadmissible because its originator was untraced and not authenticated, the court relied on footage from Gearhouse. Gearhouse, the company responsible for providing staging and audio-visual services for the rally, had its own cameras recording the event. This footage was admitted as real, relevant, and properly authenticated evidence, tracing back to the service provider, despite being less visible than the viral counterpart. The court noted the defence's inconsistent stance, relying on the viral footage during cross-examination while simultaneously arguing for its inadmissibility.

Alongside Malema, his former bodyguard Adriaan Snyman was also charged in connection with the incident, facing counts of unlawfully providing the weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Magistrate Olivier found Snyman not guilty on charges four and six, and he was subsequently discharged. Snyman was the owner of a private security company contracted by the EFF at the time of the incident. The courtroom was reportedly filled with EFF supporters as both Malema and Snyman awaited the verdict.

With the conviction delivered, the matter has been postponed to January 23, 2026, for pre-sentencing hearings. Malema’s bail has been extended until this date, as further details regarding his sentencing are anticipated to follow.