Guilty or not guilty? Malema will know his fate in gun case on this date

EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA – The protracted legal battle surrounding Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, in their firearm discharge case is finally nearing its conclusion. After years of court appearances, postponements, and intense arguments, judgement in the high-profile trial has been reserved, with a verdict expected on September 29, 2025.

The East London Magistrate’s Court heard closing arguments on Monday, July 21, 2025, bringing the case, which stems from an incident at the EFF’s fifth-anniversary rally in 2018, to a critical juncture. Malema and Snyman are accused of discharging a firearm in public, a charge they have both vehemently denied.

The core of the defence’s argument has revolved around Malema’s assertion that the object he was seen firing was, in fact, a “toy gun” and not a real firearm. His legal team has maintained that the state failed to present sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a live weapon was discharged.

However, the prosecution has countered these claims, with prosecutor Joel Cesar arguing that Malema’s testimony was “untruthful and misleading.” The state has also presented arguments suggesting that spent cartridges linked to another individual’s gun were found near the stage, and that at least seven people moved away when Malema allegedly fired in their direction, contradicting the defence’s claim that no one was scared.

The trial has drawn significant public attention, with supporters of the EFF often gathering outside the court. The outcome of this case holds considerable implications for Malema, a prominent and often controversial figure in South African politics.

As the nation awaits the verdict, the question remains: will the firebrand leader be found guilty or not guilty? All eyes will be on the East London Magistrate’s Court on September 29, 2025, as Magistrate Olivier delivers the much-anticipated judgement that will determine Malema’s fate in the gun case