By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, appeared in the East London Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape on Monday for discharging a firearm.
The case dates back to the EFF’s 5th birthday celebrations in Mdantsane in 2018 where Malema is seen on a video firing what appears to be an automatic rifle.
Malema appeared to be in good spirits in court on Monday as he chatted to supporters and lawyers, and greeted members of the media.
Lobby group AfriForum opened the case against Malema.
In the case, it is alleged that his bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman handed a rifle to Malema which the EFF leader fired into the air.
Malema in turn said it was just a part of the celebrations that occurred at the time.
The shooting was largely circulated via social media, where he appeared with a rifle and discharged several shots skyward.
Malema is facing five charges, including the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as contravening the Firearms Control Act.
Snyman is facing a single charge of contravening the Firearms Control Act.
Both accused pleaded not guilty.
In court on Monday, Snyman’s lawyer, Shane Matthews, referred to a viral video that is central to the charges.
“Do you confirm that nowhere in that video, is there any indication that accused number two handed the firearm to accused number 1 or any other person for that matter?” he asked senior police officer, former Mdantsane police spokesperson Colonel Nkosikho Mzuku.
Mzuku responded: “Yes, that is correct.”
Snyman was the manager of Technical Security Services and offered bodyguard services to Malema on the day of the incident.
Last week, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) said it had received numerous complaints from the public regarding a video circulating on social media platforms.
The NSPCA said the video, which trended widely, depicts the intended slaughter of an animal at a farm in Magaliesburg.
“The aforesaid video clearly shows Julius Sello Malema attempting to paralyse a cow by pithing it (i.e. attempting to pierce or sever the spinal cord of the animal so as to kill or immobilise it).
“It is evident from the video that Mr Malema uses two small knives and inflicts more than 11 stabs and over 60 instances of twisting the knife into the fully conscious animal’s poll,” read the NSPCA statement.
According to the NSPCA, Malema repeatedly inflicted pain and caused unnecessary suffering on the animal, and it is evident that the animal endured significant distress.
The trial continues on Tuesday.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of EFFSA.