EFF leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, a conviction he claims is a politically motivated attempt to silence him and his party. The East London Magistrates’ Court found Malema guilty on multiple firearm-related charges linked to a rally held in Mdantsane on 28 July 2018.
Malema was convicted on charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, failure to take reasonable precautions to protect persons or property, and reckless endangerment. Although he received multiple sentences across the different counts—including five years’ imprisonment, two years’ imprisonment, and three separate R20,000 fines or six months’ imprisonment—the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
Malema Claims Political Motivation
Malema claimed that his prosecution is politically motivated, alleging that a “hidden hand” was influencing the judicial process against him. He also claimed that Magistrate Twanet Olivier, who presided over the case, was a racist and could be affiliated with AfriForum, the civil rights organisation that was the complainant in the matter.
Malema argued that the sentence was disproportionate and that no reasonable judge would agree that a person who shoots one bullet should be sentenced to five years. He added that the case was an attempt by his opponents to defeat him and the EFF through the legal system rather than at the ballot box.
EFF to Appeal the Verdict
The EFF will petition the High Court to appeal both the guilty verdict and the sentence. Malema argued throughout proceedings that the rifle used belonged to a security company linked to his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, and that he had not intended to cause harm.
Some of the key points in the case include:
- Malema was convicted on multiple firearm-related charges
- The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective five-year custodial sentence
- Malema claims that his prosecution is politically motivated
- The EFF will appeal the verdict and sentence
For more information on the case, visit the South African Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website.
