EFF leader bolsters legal team for pre-sentencing hearing

EFF leader Julius Malema has roped in seasoned advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi to strengthen his legal team in his firearm discharge case.

Malema is appearing in the East London Magistrate's court for pre-sentencing on Friday after being found guilty of violating gun laws.

This case stems from a 2018 rally in Mdantsane, where the EFF leader was seen on video firing shots into the air during the event.

The legal team representing EFF leader Julius Malema has submitted a pre-sentencing report to the state.

His lawyers have also enlisted a social worker to testify in court.

The social worker is expected to provide detailed testimony on Malema’s mental health, family background, and other social factors for the court's consideration during sentencing.

These submissions form part of the arguments on mitigation of the EFF leader's sentence.

"I have received a pre-sentencing report this morning from counsel for accused number one, and l I would need time to go through such because it’s such a hefty document. It’s about 50-something pages long," said State prosecutor Joel Cesar.

Outside the courthouse, hundreds of EFF supporters are gathered to support their leader.

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