EFF leader Julius Malema’s trial over allegations of discharging a firearm in public, which was set for this week at the East London regional court, was postponed in absentia by the court on Monday morning.
Malema and his co-accused Gerhardus Adriaan Snyman stand accused of firing an automatic rifle during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018.
The trial was postponed from January 30 to February 3 because Malema’s legal defence, Advocate Laurence Hodes, SC, was busy with the inquest on the Life Esidimeni issue. He had informed the court prior to the trial date.
Malema firearm trial in East London postponed
Image: ALAISTER RUSSELL
EFF leader Julius Malema’s trial over allegations of discharging a firearm in public, which was set for this week at the East London regional court, was postponed in absentia by the court on Monday morning.
Malema and his co-accused Gerhardus Adriaan Snyman stand accused of firing an automatic rifle during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018.
The trial was postponed from January 30 to February 3 because Malema’s legal defence, Advocate Laurence Hodes, SC, was busy with the inquest on the Life Esidimeni issue. He had informed the court prior to the trial date.
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Even though state prosecutor Advocate Joel Cesar said the state was ready for the trial, he said they were not opposed to the postponement.
Regional court before magistrate Twanett Olivier was also not opposed to the postponement.Malema and Snyman have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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