KuGompo City (East London) – The highly publicised sentencing of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema for firearm-related offences is set to commence tomorrow, 15 April, in the East London Magistrate’s Court, Eastern Cape.
Last year, on 1 October 2025, Magistrate Twanet Olivier found Malema guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, and reckless endangerment.
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The charges stem from an incident on 28 July 2018, when Malema allegedly fired several shots during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium outside KuGompo City.
AfriForum laid the initial complaint in August 2018 and has since played a central role in pushing the case forward.
Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, said the state was seeking a minimum of 15 years in prison for the illegal possession of a firearm.
“The magistrate has already proven that no one is above the law. The sentence must now also reflect the seriousness of the crime, regardless of Malema’s political status,” Broodryk stated.
Malema pleaded not guilty and insists the charges are trumped up. He had argued the weapon was a prop belonging to security.
A sentence exceeding 12 months without the option of a fine could disqualify Malema from continuing to serve as an MP for five years once appeals are exhausted.
However, Malema remains defiant, describing the prosecution as a “politically motivated witch hunt.”
He has vowed to appeal immediately.
“The magistrate court will be going to the high court because I’ve already indicated that I’m going to appeal,” Malema said.
“So it doesn’t matter whether the sentence is custodial or not custodial. All of it is going to be appealed.”
EFF supporters are holding a night vigil tonight at Jan Smuts Stadium in KuGompo, Eastern Cape, to show solidarity ahead of the proceedings.
AfriForum stated that this case was a test of accountability for political leaders and a milestone in a broader campaign to uphold the rule of law.
Meanwhile, in a separate matter, the Gauteng High Court on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, ruled in favour of Malema in the matter against controversial gossip content creator Musa Khawula, who falsely claimed on X that the EFF leader was divorced from his wife.
The court found that Khawula wrote defamatory, untrue, and unlawful accusations about Malema and his wife, Mantoa Matlala, regarding their marital status.
The court ordered Khawula to apologise and pay costs.
