Defence lawyer Shane Matthews, representing Adriaan Snyman, former bodyguard of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, has suggested that a key video in their firearm discharge case may have been manipulated using artificial intelligence. The East London Magistrates Court reserved judgment on Monday after hearing closing arguments in the case, which relates to an incident at the EFF’s fifth anniversary rally at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018.
Malema and Snyman face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in public, and reckless endangerment. Both have pleaded not guilty, with Malema claiming the firearm was a toy. The case centres on a viral video allegedly showing Snyman handing Malema an automatic rifle, which Malema then fires into the air.
Matthews argued the video’s authenticity is questionable, stating, “It is so easy for these types of videos to be manufactured and put on social media.” He noted that the video, downloaded from social media, is not an original recording, and the State failed to identify its source, weakening its credibility as evidence.
The State maintains the video is reliable, supported by forensic ballistics linking a cartridge from the scene to the firearm in question. Prosecutor Joel Cesar previously called Malema’s testimony contradictory, asserting the evidence proves live rounds were fired.
Initiated by a complaint from civil rights group AfriForum, the case has faced delays, including a 2024 postponement due to the presiding magistrate’s illness. Judgment is scheduled for 29 September 2025.
