Malema’s sentencing for shooting incident begins tomorrow

NATIONAL NEWS - Sentencing proceedings against Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), are scheduled to commence tomorrow, Wednesday 15 April, in the KuGompo (formerly East London) Magistrate’s Court.

The hearing is expected to conclude on Thursday 16 April.

This follows Malema’s conviction in September last year on five counts under the Firearms Control Act.

The charges include discharging a firearm in a public or built-up area without sufficient cause, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

AfriForum laid criminal charges against Malema in August 2018 after he fired multiple shots from a rifle during the EFF’s fifth anniversary rally on 28 July 2018 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium outside East London.

Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, said in a statement released today that the organisation welcomes the fact that the matter has reached the sentencing stage.

“The state is requesting, among other things, a minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of a firearm,” Broodryk said. “The magistrate [Twanet Olivier] has already demonstrated that no one is above the law. The sentence must now send a clear message about the seriousness of these offences, irrespective of the accused’s political position.”

The EFF has described the case as a politically motivated "witch hunt" ahead of the 2026 municipal elections, while Malema has vowed to appeal the conviction.

The sentence could have a profound effect on his political career, for, if the EFF leader is sentenced to more than a year in prison without the option of a fine, he could be barred from serving as a Member of Parliament.

EFF supporters are expected to turn up en masse at the court in KuGompo in a show of support for their Commander in Chief tomorrow and Thursday.

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