Guilty or not guilty? Malema will know his fate in gun case on this date
On Monday, 21 July, both the state and the defence submitted their closing arguments on the merits of the case.
As previously reported, and his security official, Adriaan Snyman are charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharge of a firearm in a built-up area, failure to take reasonable precaution to person or property, and reckless endangerment to person or property.
The charges emanate from the party's 5th anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape where Malema could be seen dancing and singing on the stage. Thereafter, he allegedly is seen firing the rifle into the air before he hands it over to Snyman.
Malema and Snyman have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In 2024, the prosecution closed its case, having led the evidence of 19 witnesses. On the other hand, the defence led the evidence of two expert witnesses, in firearms control and forensic ballistics, for Snyman.
Malema took the stand in his defence. All the witnesses were cross-examined by Advocate Joel Cesar, for the state.
NPA spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, Luxolo Tyali, said that based on the evidence and arguments meticulously presented by the prosecution, he believes that the NPA has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and hopes that the magistrate will convict the accused.
In contrast, Malema's lawyer, advocate Laurence Hodes, insists that the state's case lacks real evidence.
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