Malema Fails to Get Magistrate on Firearm Case Recused for Bias, Lashes Out About “Intimidation” Outside Court

• Julius Malema is not impressed with Magistrate Twanet Oliver's refusal to recuse herself from his firearms-related case
• Oliver dismissed the application for recusal, stating that accusations of bias are unfounded
• The EFF leader told crowds gathered to support him that the case was nothing more than an attempt to intimidate him

EAST LONDON - Economic Freedom Fighter leader Julius Malema's attempt to get Magistrate Twanet Oliver to recuse herself from his firearms-related case has ended in disappointment.

Malema accused the magistrate of bias and taking a prosecutorial role while questioning a state witness during their testimony.

Magistrate Oliver dismissed Malema's application for recusal, stating that a reasonable person would not perceive a line of questioning that follows court processes as biased reporting.

Oliver said:

Read also

Zuma’s private prosecution postponed again, SA furious: “Our judiciary became a circus,” SA complains

"The presumed bias is unfounded. The application to recuse myself in this matter is refused."

The Red Berets leader did not take kindly to the magistrate dismissing his case, and lashed out to a crowd of supporters who were gathered outside the East London Regional Court, TimesLIVE reported.

Julius Malema slams AfriForum, says he won't stand for intimidation

Malema slammed the case as nothing more than an attempt of intimidation by lobby group AfriForum, which brought the charges against him.

Malema declared:

“This is a blatant attempt to intimidate me, but I will never die on my knees, but with my boots on. I will never surrender to criminals or cowards.”

The EFF leader and his bodyguard, Addrian Snyman, are facing charges related to Malema allegedly firing a rifle during the EFF's fifth anniversay celebration in 2018, News24 reported.

Read also

EFF accuses DA councillor of pointing gun at EFF leader in Limpopo during council meeting, councillor arrested

South Africans want the law to take its course without Malema's interference

Citizens applauded the magistrate for standing her ground. Below are some reactions:

@Dunckie commented:

"Ah well another appeal on the horizon. Why the hell did I not pursue a career in the legal field. Work does not run out!"

@gcume_akhile added"

"Good, there was no merit in that application."

@Bulenani2 claimed:

"Judicial officers must stand their ground, not be intimidated by toyi-toying public."

@English36819317 said:

"Now get on with the case."

@atopinions predicted:

"The EFF's insults and threats to judiciary is loading. Just wait to see."

@DSikeyi suggested:

"This boy must just face the music that's all, he mustn't come with poor and dirty tricks here."

EFF to pursue private prosecution against Mantashe for security upgrades to 3 properties paid for by Bosasa

Earlier, Briefly News reported the EFF is gunning for the ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe over security upgrades installed at three of his properties.

Read also

Malema wants magistrate in his firearm case to recuse herself and EFF is backing him, SA not surprised

The Red Berets' leader, Julius Malema, has instructed the party's lawyers to institute private prosecution against Gwede Mantashe over the installation of security cameras on Bosasa's dime.

During the explosive State Capture Inquiry in 2021, ex-Bosasa COO Angelo Angrizzi and former employee Richard le Roux told the commission that the mineral resources and energy minister was one of the influential politicians the company targeted.

Source: Briefly News