Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has finally been charged in connection with recklessly discharging a firearm.
The charges arise from a leaked video showing Malema at a rally in 2018. In the video, a private security officer, Adriaan Snyman, is seen handing the EFF leader a magazine before Malema apparently fires the weapon several times in the air.
Malema now faces five charges relating to the incident, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and recklessly endangering the crowd.
A legal expert consulted by News24 said that, if found guilty, Malema could face up to fifteen years in prison.
Snyman was also charged in connection with the incident.
Malema had previously claimed that the firearm was not real and that the sounds in the video came from the simultaneous detonation of fireworks.
The IRR notes that, in contrast to previous occasions, there appears to be a possibility this time of real repercussions for the 38-year-old firebrand politician for his behaviour.