Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and his co-defendant, Adriaan Snyman, have seen their attempt to have charges related to the violation of the Firearms Act dropped rejected.
East London Magistrate Twanett Olivier dismissed the joint application made by Malema and Snyman on Thursday, citing insufficient evidence as the reason for not withdrawing all charges against them.
Both Malema and Snyman had entered pleas of not guilty in response to the six charges brought against them, utilizing Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act in their defense.
The charges stem from an incident in 2018 at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane during the fifth anniversary celebrations of the EFF in East London. Allegedly, Malema discharged a firearm in a public setting, with Snyman reportedly providing him with the weapon.