Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by the East London Magistrates’ Court. Magistrate Twanet Olivier handed down the ruling on Thursday morning.
The State had been seeking a 15-year sentence in connection with Malema’s firearm discharge case linked to the EFF’s fifth birthday celebrations in 2018.
In closing arguments, State prosecutor Joel Cesar said Malema showed a lack of remorse. Meanwhile, defence advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi told the court that the findings were distorted.
EFF SUPPORTERS GATHER
Meanwhile, hundreds of EFF supporters gathered outside the court and plan to file an application for leave to appeal the verdict.
The party says, “The President will never walk alone, we will stand by his side until the end.”
Malema was found guilty on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as discharging a firearm.
More to follow.
