D-Day for Julius Malema in East London!

All eyes will be on the East London Magistrate’s Court today Friday, 23 January when Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema returns to court for pre-sentencing following his conviction related to a firearm incident in 2018.

Malema was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, and reckless endangerment.

Fired a weapon

The charges stem from an incident during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, where Malema fired a weapon in front of a crowd.

Malema, who will attend the hearing in person, has indicated that he intends to appeal any sentence imposed, up to the highest court in the country.

Claims of Political Targeting

Julius Malema has consistently maintained that the case against him is a political witch-hunt, insisting that he is innocent and that the firearm involved was a toy.

His co-accused, Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
Snyman echoed Malema’s view, arguing that the case collapsed due to prosecutorial failures.

“The case has crumbled before the magistrate and the prosecution messed up the case and they must take full responsibility. It’s always the case when you pursue politics instead of pursuing the law,” Snyman said.

Calls for a Custodial Sentence

Lobby group AfriForum has argued that Julius Malema deserves a direct jail sentence, citing the seriousness of the offences.

AfriForum’s Jacques Broodryk said the conviction could carry heavy penalties.

Image: Via X EFFSouthAfrica.