EFF leader says prosecutors are “going for the kill” ahead of sentencing in East London court
The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, says prosecutors are seeking a 15 year prison sentence as his firearm discharge case enters its final phase, with sentencing proceedings set to begin next week.
Malema is expected to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and Thursday, where a magistrate will determine his sentence following his conviction on multiple firearm related charges.
The case stems from an incident in 2018 during the party’s fifth anniversary rally at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, where Malema was filmed firing what appeared to be a rifle into the air in front of a large crowd of supporters.
In October last year, Magistrate Twanet Olivier found Malema guilty of unlawfully discharging a firearm, along with charges related to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as reckless endangerment.
Speaking to journalists in Johannesburg on Thursday, Malema said the state was pursuing the harshest possible punishment.
“The state is going for the kill, they want a 15-year jail term and we are prepared legally. We will see next week but they are going for the kill,” he said.
Despite the conviction, Malema has indicated that he will challenge the ruling, confirming that an appeal process is already underway. He maintains that the outcome of the case is flawed and suggested that there are efforts aimed at ensuring his imprisonment.
The high profile case has drawn sustained public attention since the 2018 rally, raising broader questions about firearm use at political events and accountability for public figures.