South Africa’s opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has pleaded not guilty to firearms charges relating to an incident in which he alleged discharged a weapon during a public event.
Malema is facing charges of contravening sections of the Firearms Control Act relating to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as the reckless endangerment to persons or property.
The prosecution said Malema allegedly discharged a firearm during celebrations of EFF’s fifth anniversary in the Eastern Cape province in 2018.
Appearing before the East London Magistrate Court on Tuesday, Malema described the charges against him as a mockery of the justice system.
Non-governmental organization AfriForum initiated criminal charges against Malema for allegedly firing a firearm in a public place as well as being in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The trial continues.
NM/jn/APA