Malema's Fate Sealed: EFF Leader Found Guilty in Firearm Discharge Case

Mpho Dube
Oct 1
2 min read

EFF leader Sello Julius Malema found guilty on charges linked to his firearms discharge case.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

In a dramatic turn of events, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Sello Julius Malema has been found guilty on charges linked to his firearms discharge case.

The East London Magistrate's Court handed down the judgment on Wednesday morning, October 1, 2025.

Malema was accused of contravening the Firearms Control Act, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, stemming from a 2018 rally in Mdantsane where he allegedly fired shots into the air in front of a large crowd of EFF supporters.

Magistrate Twanet Olivier ruled that the defense failed to disprove the State's case beyond a reasonable doubt.

However, Malema's security officer, Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted of charges related to handing the firearm to the EFF leader. Snyman's acquittal brings some relief to the EFF camp, but the guilty verdict against Malema is likely to have significant implications for his future as a politician.

The court's decision will have far-reaching implications for Malema's leadership and the EFF's role in South African politics. If convicted, Malema could face penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, which could potentially impact his political standing. The EFF has previously framed the case as "politically and racially motivated," and Malema's supporters are eagerly awaiting the outcome.

The guilty verdict marks a significant development in the case, but the EFF's response and potential next steps remain uncertain. Will Malema appeal the verdict, or will he accept the consequences? The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on South African politics.