EFF
Julius Malema sentenced to five years for 2018 firearm discharge
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
EFF leader Julius Malema was sentenced to five years' direct imprisonment in the KuGompo Magistrates’ Court for unlawfully possessing a firearm during the EFF’s 2018 birthday celebrations in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. Additional sentences on related charges will run concurrently. The court granted leave to appeal the sentence but denied it for the conviction, allowing Malema to remain free pending the appeal.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have denied claims that their members forced businesses to close in Johannesburg's CBD following Julius Malema's sentencing in a gun discharge case. Traders shut down operations after allegedly being urged by party supporters. Gauteng MEC for Finance and EFF member Nkululeko Dunga insisted the party issued no such instructions.
Reported by AI
EFF leader Julius Malema addressed supporters outside East London Magistrates’ Court, stating that while they might imprison him, his ideas for economic freedom would endure. The first day of his sentencing hearing for a 2018 firearm incident concluded, with judgment set for 16 April 2026. The state seeks a 15-year custodial sentence.
Economic Freedom Fighters MP Leigh-Ann Mathys has voiced support for subpoenaing private investigator Paul O'Sullivan and North West businessman Brown Mogotsi to appear before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee on national security concerns. The committee decided on this measure after both individuals indicated they would not be available on scheduled testimony dates. Mathys also demanded a report on O'Sullivan's summoning amid allegations of threats and committee incapacitation.
Reported by AI
Political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast warns that Julius Malema's firearm-related case could detrimentally affect support for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Malema appeared in the East London Regional Court on Friday for pre-sentencing proceedings following his conviction for discharging a firearm during the party's fifth anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane in 2018. He has vowed to challenge both the conviction and any sentence imposed.