Malema Claims 'Political Persecution' as Firearm Trial Concludes

Justice Delayed

Julius Malema has slammed his prolonged firearm trial as "political persecution" after final arguments wrapped up. The EFF leader told reporters: "This is driven by particular motive...in a normal magistrate court, judgment would have been delivered by now." His comments highlight growing frustration over the case's unusual duration—now stretching over two years since charges were first brought.

Prosecution Under Fire

Malema launched scathing attacks on state prosecutors, accusing them of desperation: "They tried introducing new charges during closing arguments—a clear sign they need a guilty verdict at all costs." He singled out unsubstantiated claims about firearm tampering, demanding: "You don't just make allegations—you must prove them beyond reasonable doubt." Legal analysts note this marks the third time Malema's team has accused the prosecution of procedural overreach.

Defense Strategy

The EFF leader outlined his defense's key victories—including witness testimony and documentary evidence disproving the state's timeline. "We proved the firearm was never in East London," Malema stated, displaying SAA tickets showing his security detail couldn't have transported rifles by air. He framed the trial as archaic: "This isn't law—it's political theater that should have ended in 1994." The defense maintains the charges stem from Malema's 2018 remarks about protecting land invaders.

Constitutional Clash

In a related escalation, Malema revealed the EFF is preparing constitutional court action against President Ramaphosa's appointment of an acting minister from outside cabinet—a move he called "a blatant violation of the Constitution." The party argues this sets a dangerous precedent for circumventing parliamentary oversight. Political observers suggest the EFF is strategically linking both issues to portray itself as South Africa's constitutional watchdog ahead of elections.