State challenges Malema’s firearm claims

Malema

Cape Town – The state argued in court on Monday that EFF leader Julius Malema’s explanation for firing a rifle at a party event in 2018 is contradictory and inconsistent, while evidence shows tampering with the weapon by his co-accused, Adriaan Snyman.

Malema faces charges including unlawful firearm possession, reckless endangerment, and public discharge of firearms.

He allegedly fired 14-15 shots with a handgun and seven with a rifle during the EFF’s anniversary celebration, actions caught on viral footage.

Malema claimed the firearm was a blank gun provided to excite the crowd and denied it was real. However, a cartridge found at the scene matched a rifle issued by Snyman’s company.

According to TimesLive, the state prosecutor highlighted contradictions in Malema’s testimony, such as his claim of constant bodyguard presence, which contradicted sworn statements. The prosecutor also dismissed Malema’s assertion that the firearm was not real, pointing to cartridges found at the scene.

“The sworn statements by the bodyguards are that they were not inside the stadium at the time of the incident but were behind the stadium. He contradicts that all four guarded him and were present during the incident.

“If his version is to be accepted, it means the bodyguards lied about being on stage and were not forthcoming of what they witnessed,” the report quoted state prosecutor Joel Cesar as saying.

Cesar argued that forensic evidence linked Malema to the firearm and accused him of evasiveness and dishonesty in his testimony, The Citizen reported.

He dismissed claims that the case was politically motivated or that Snyman was charged to pressure him into cooperation.

“That concession is not true. We don’t charge people in the hope that one would turn against the other one, that’s not how we conduct our business.”

The defence, led by advocate Laurens Hodes, questioned the reliability of video evidence and noted no eyewitness complaints or physical evidence directly implicating Malema.

Earlier attempts by Malema to have the magistrate recused and charges dismissed were rejected.

The case now awaits judgment as both sides presented contrasting interpretations of the evidence.

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