'The revolution continues': Julius Malema defiant after pre-sentencing

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema continues to assert that the legal proceedings regarding his firearm discharge case are a calculated attempt to suppress his political voice.

Malema appeared before the East London Magistrate's Court on Friday for a pre-sentencing hearing. This follows his recent conviction for breaching firearm regulations. The charges stem from a 2018 rally where Malema was captured on video footage firing a rifle into the air in front of a crowd of approximately 20,000 supporters.

The court has scheduled Malema's return for April 15, at which time final arguments will be heard, and sentencing is expected to be handed down.

Addressing hundreds of party supporters gathered outside the court, Malema maintained that the case against him is baseless and politically motivated. He framed the conviction as an assault on his leadership and the EFF’s influence.

"It doesn’t matter what the magistrate decides. The revolution continues," Malema told the crowd. "We know why we are being attacked. We are attacking because we are the only black authority. We are the only black people who speak and other people listen."