AfriForum considers the matter surrounding the shots that EFF leader Julius Malema allegedly fired with an object that looked like an assault rifle from the outset in a serious light. Last week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) began prosecuting Malema in this case after sustained pressure from the civil rights organization.
AfriForum spoke with several experts on the firing of these shots during the EFF’s five-year celebrations in 2018 in Mdantsane. “There are six points in particular that Malema could face during his defense against the criminal charges against him,” says Ian Cameron, AfriForum’s head of community safety.
1. Flashes
On the video, which spread like wildfire on social media, it is clear that there are flashes of fire on every shot. Shotguns are the normal consequence of the impact cap that ignites the powder in the round, allowing the projectile to shoot out at high pressure.
2. Backlash
It is also clear on the video that there is a backlash that occurs with every shot fired. Malema holds the gun on the video firmly with two hands, precisely to compensate for this setback. A toy gun and/or other objects that does not fire actual ammunition will not cause this setback.
3. Handling
The object with which Malema fired the shots was handled very carefully when handing over and taking it back. Adriaan Snyman, Malema’s security chief during the incident, handed the gun with great care to Malema and retrieved it carefully after the shots were fired. He would hardly handle a toy gun or other object that way.
4. Sound
The sound and sound of the shots that are clearly audible on the video clip disproves many of Malema’s claims that it was not a real firearm or ammunition fired, experts said.
5. Versions
Malema and the EFF have continuously revised their versions since the incident. Initially, it was claimed that blanks were used. The consulted experts describe this version as unlikely as the necessary accessories for firing it were missing and the gun did not respond like a gun firing these gunpowder patterns. The EFF later stated that it was not a real firearm, but a toy weapon used in sync with fireworks to create a realistic effect. The experts also reject this version because of the reasons above.
6. Malema’s security chief handled and handed over the object
Of all the people on stage during the proceedings, it was Snyman who handed the object over to Malema and returned it. Snyman’s security company is known for possessing similar firearms. Snyman has also, in the past, pleaded guilty to inappropriate carrying of these types of weapons during one of Malema’s court appearances. This incident has caused major upheaval and it indicates Snyman’s apparent slow-moving attitude towards these firearms.
The civil rights watchdog expressed his fear that failure to prosecute Malema soon for these crimes could create a dangerous precedent and result in lawlessness and anarchy. This fear was largely realized when various members of the public began to fire random shots into the air during funerals, strikes and parties.
Article source: Afriforum
