Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is set to appear again in the East London Magistrate’s Court on Friday for pre-sentencing proceedings linked to his firearm discharge conviction.
The case stems from the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations held at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018, where Malema was found guilty of discharging a firearm during the event.
– Advertisement –
He faced charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm, and reckless endangerment, following the incident that unfolded in front of thousands of supporters.
Julius Malema firearm case: AfriForum weighs in on possible sentence
AfriForum’s head of private prosecution, Jacques Broodryk, has warned that the seriousness of the offences could result in a custodial sentence.
“It’s very important to remember that these charges Mr Malema was found guilty of are actually very serious charges. If we look at the charge of unlawful firearm and ammunition, there have been cases where people have been sentenced up to 15 years for that.
“So, it’s very serious charges, of course, there may be mitigating circumstances that the judge takes into consideration, but I would be very surprised, very sceptical of the process if at least he didn’t see a few years in prison for Mr Malema,” says Broodryk.
EFF supporters gather in East London ahead of pre-sentencing hearing
In the build-up to Friday’s proceedings, EFF supporters held a night vigil on Thursday, with thousands travelling to East London to show solidarity with their leader.
EFF Secretary General Marshall Dlamini described the case as politically motivated and reiterated the party’s intention to back Malema’s appeal against the judgment.
– Advertisement –
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Trump Doubles Down Once More On ‘White Genocide’ Claims In South Africa
“If there is one thing the voters and the members of the EFF must know is that tomorrow the CIC, the president of the EFF, is going back to the Winnie Madikizela house to continue with the work that he was elected to lead the struggle for the poor and the landless in this country.
“So, we are not even worried, he’s going back to Joburg, on Monday he’s got an office to report to at Winnie Madikizela’s house to continue with the work of the EFF,” adds Dlamini.
For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X, Instagram and Bluesky
– Advertisement –
