GUILTY VERDICT IN MALEMA FIREARM CASE A VICTORY FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE RULE OF LAW- AFRIFORUM

EFF leader Julius Malema with his bodyguard Adriaan Snyman in the dock at the East London Magistrates Court on Wednesday Photo by AfriForum

By Jacques Broodryk
Chief Spokesperson: Community Safety AfriForum

AfriForum welcomes the ruling made today in the East London Magistrate’s Court, in which Julius Malema, leader of the EFF, was found guilty on five charges, among others the discharging of a firearm in a built up or public area without sufficient reason, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

This conviction follows the criminal charges that AfriForum laid against Malema in August 2018 after he fired several shots with a firearm during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebration held on 28 July 2018 outside East London at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane.

According to Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, justice has finally been served despite years of delays and irregularities in this case.

“The evidence overwhelmingly proved that Malema committed several serious offences under the Firearms Control Act, and the verdict confirms that those who think they are untouchable will eventually be held accountable, no matter how long it takes,” explains Broodryk.

The civil rights organisation played a crucial role in bringing this case to trial.

Without the organisation’s involvement, the case may never have seen the inside of a courtroom.

AfriForum also views this ruling as a major victory in the organisation’s fight to ensure that no one is above the law.

“AfriForum will continue to ensure that politically connected individuals face justice like any other citizen,” Broodryk concludes.