The East London Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape has thus far heard no witness testimony linking Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema to the alleged discharging of firearm during the party’s 5th birthday celebrations back in 2018.
The trial started on Tuesday and Malema pleaded not guilty to the charges which include the illegal possession of a firearm, and the illegal possession of ammunition.
The state has called seven witnesses since the trial began. The first witness, retired police officer Colonel Ngamlana Mkwali, was the police commander in charge at the event in question.
He testified that he never saw Julius Malema discharge a weapon at the event and that he never saw the co-accused, Adrian Snyman.
Ntombifikile Makoma, a cleaner on the day, was the second witness. She told the court how she found a spent cartridge while performing her duties.
A criminal specialist, Philip Baker, also testified.
Baker told the court that the fingerprints from the cartridge that was found at Sisa Dukashe stadium a few days after the event could not be linked to any person.
Proceedings started late:
The trial is expected to be concluded on Friday.
