Juju, is that a gun in your pocket?

CLAIM: EFF SAYS ITS LEADER WAS FIRING BLANKS

The EFF says its controversial leader was firing blanks at a party, but police confirm a charge has been laid.

Saps confirms charge of discharging firearm in built-up area has been laid.

Avideo that emerged on Tuesday night of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema firing what looks like a high-powered automatic rifle into the air at his party’s fifth birthday celebration gathering in the Eastern Cape on Saturday, has generated damning criticism and limited support.

The party claims its leader was firing blanks at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape on Saturday, but this cannot be confirmed.

Had it been live ammunition, it would have been illegal, since firing blindly into the air in a builtup area carries the risk that the bullets will descend and unintentionally strike someone.

Others have also criticised the EFF for promoting political violence. After firing the rifle, Malema high-fives a laughing advocate Dali Mpofu, the party’s chairperson.

Even some EFF members have, however, questioned the behaviour, with those who defend their commander-in-chief appearing to do so primarily by accepting the explanation that the shots were not real and fired in “simulation”.

The man Malema hands the rifle to has been identified as Bluff security company owner Adriaan Snyman. Snyman denied being “aware of anything”, which casts doubt on whether it really was a pre-planned simulation.

The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) eThekwini region wants the police to probe Malema and charge him under the Firearms Control Act.

“It is the view of the ANCYL that this behaviour was unsafe, irresponsible and was also in contravention of section 120(7) of the Firearms Control Act of 2000,” said the league yesterday in a statement attributed to eThekwini region spokesperson Thulisa Ndlela.

“We, therefore, call upon law enforcement agencies to investigate this conduct. Even for a morally compromised fellow like Julius Malema, such conduct must be condemned.

“The ANCYL is concerned that such a public display of reckless behaviour will undermine the efforts made in fighting violent crime in our society.”

The South African Police Service yesterday confirmed that a case of discharging of a firearm in a built-up area was registered.

The Citizen tried in vain to get official comment from the EFF on the matter. –