The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentencing of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader and Member of Parliament Julius Malema, who was handed a five-year direct imprisonment term by the KuGompo Regional Court.
Malema was convicted on multiple firearm-related charges linked to a 2018 incident during an EFF rally in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, reckless endangerment, and the discharge of a firearm in a built-up area.
He was sentenced to five years for unlawful possession of a firearm, two years for ammunition possession, and received additional fines of R20 000 for other offences. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, and also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Although the state had argued for a maximum 15-year sentence, the NPA said it believes the ruling will serve as a strong deterrent against firearm-related crimes.
“The sentence underscores the principle of equality before the law,” said Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo, adding that the outcome reaffirms the NPA’s commitment to justice “without fear, favour or prejudice.”
Malema’s legal team has applied for leave to appeal both the conviction and sentence. While the court granted leave to appeal the conviction, it denied leave to appeal the sentence. He remains out on warning pending the appeal process.
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