As the trial of Julius Malema continued in East London on Wednesday, EFF leader Julius Malema lamented that presiding magistrate Twanet Olivier is always late.
“It has been almost five years and she has never been early. This is unacceptable, she is not above the law or anyone,” said Malema.
“We have two hours today and we should have started on time, justice must never be delayed. If it means prison, then let it be prison. She has never been early to any court.”
While still waiting for Olivier, Malema said loadshedding was underway across the country, noting that proceedings must be conducted on time.
“All of us should have been here earlier, but she is not here. I am not the type to keep quiet when nonsense happens.
“We have been subjected to disrespect and I will not be quiet anymore. We have rights and our rights must be respected,” said the EFF leader.
All the magistrates and court officials have a duty to respect those appearing in court, he said, lashing out that this never happens with Olivier.
Wednesday marked day three of court proceedings after a delay was experienced due to loadshedding on Tuesday.
Malema’s appearance relates to a video that went viral showing Malema allegedly firing what appeared to be a rifle in front of a cheering crowd on July 28 2018.
In court papers, AfriForum accuses Malema of putting the lives of the public in danger by “firing the rifle” in a built-up area.
The EFF leader’s bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, is also accused of handing Malema the rifle. Both Malema and Snyman have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
On Monday, the court called on witnesses to give testimony.
They included Amanda Yvonne Steenkamp, a retired warrant officer, and facial identification specialist Colonel Nkosikho Mzuku, who received viral footage of the event.
Also called to the witness stand was Sarel Kruger, who received the rifle, and Dwayne Francis, who downloaded the viral video from investigating officer, Colonel Rodney Swartbooi’s phone.
Steenkamp testified that she could not conclude on her result about the identification of the firearm.
“Due to the poor quality, light levels, angle, and distance of the CCTV cameras, the CCTV footage is too low to mark out the specific individual characteristics on the face and on the firearm,” said Steenkamp.
She added that the CCTV footage is too low to mark out specific discriminating characteristics on the firearm.
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