By: Abigail Visagie

Anticipation is mounting within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as the party’s commander-in-chief, Julius Malema, faces the possibility of imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for today at the East London Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape. Malema’s sentencing follows his conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition and discharging a firearm in a public place during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018. The court found that his actions amounted to reckless endangerment, placing members of the public at risk. Malema has maintained his innocence throughout the trial, insisting that the firearm in question was a toy. His co-accused, Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Judgment in the matter was delivered nearly seven years after the incident, which the EFF has consistently described as part of the party’s celebratory programme. It is understood that Malema intends to appeal any sentence imposed, potentially escalating the matter to the highest courts in the country. He has previously characterised the case as a “political witch-hunt” against him. Despite the high stakes, the EFF has remained tight-lipped ahead of sentencing. J ournal News spoke exclusively to EFF communications officer Sinawo Thambo, who said the party and its leadership would only comment after court proceedings conclude. “We will not be engaging in any preview commentary with media houses ahead of today’s sentencing,” Thambo said. The outcome of the case could have significant political consequences for the party. In terms of the Constitution, any Member of Parliament sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine is disqualified from holding public office for a period of five years. The firearm and ammunition charges were initially brought to light following a complaint by AfriForum, which argued that the matter had not received adequate legal attention and that Malema should face the same legal consequences as any other citizen. Malema faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment following his conviction on five charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public space, reckless endangerment, and failure to take reasonable precautions. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has indicated that the case underscores the principle that no individual is above the law. Earlier this week, the EFF confirmed that Malema would be absent from ad hoc committee work due to the court proceedings. Deputy Secretary-General Leigh-Ann Mathys will represent the party in parliamentary committee engagements for the remainder of the week.