The East London Magistrate’s Court has sentenced EFF leader Julius Malema to five years in prison on the main charge, alongside fines for other offences.
In addition, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The State had been seeking a 15-year prison sentence.
Julius Malema’s legal team has confirmed it will appeal the ruling, arguing that no harm was caused and questioning whether the court treated his political status consistently in sentencing.
Reckless endangerment
The sentencing was handed down by Magistrate Twanet Olivier on Thursday after Malema was convicted on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public place, and reckless endangerment.
The case stems from a viral video taken during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane in 2018, where Malema was seen firing what appeared to be a rifle in a stadium filled with supporters.
Julius Malema had pleaded not guilty, arguing the weapon was a toy.
In delivering the sentence, the Magistrate Olivier said the conduct was deliberate and pre-planned, not accidental or impulsive, and involved a conscious decision to break the law in a crowded public space.
Gayton McKenzie responds
Meanwhile, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, took to social media immediately after the announcement to post:
‘Dear Media
‘I will not be giving any comment regarding the sentencing of Mr Malema except to pray for him and his family. Prison is tougher on families. I don’t celebrate when tragedy befall people even my enemies.
‘Thanks’
