Social Worker argues no malicious intent in Julius Malema firearm case

A social worker testifying in Julius Malema’s firearm discharge case said on Friday she did not believe the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader acted with malicious intent when he fired shots at a rally in 2018.

Jessie Thompson has been presenting a report at Malema’s pre-sentencing proceedings in the East London magistrates court.

The report outlined information intended to assist the court in determining an appropriate sentence.

Last year(2025), Malema was convicted of firing shots into the air at a rally in Mdantsane seven years ago.

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Thompson, a social worker roped in by the defence, recommended that Malema be fined an amount that reflected the seriousness of the offence.

She told the court that the EFF leader did not aim the firearm at people at the rally, but rather fired it into the air, arguing that he had no intention of injuring anyone.

However, prosecutor Joel Caeser maintained that he was not convinced Malema had no intention of breaking the law when he discharged the firearm.

She has also recommended that Malema be prohibited from obtaining a gun license for a specified period.