State in firearms discharge case describes Malema’s actions as 'barbaric'

The State in the firearms discharge case against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has described his actions as "barbaric" after he fired a rifle at a 2018 rally.

In 2025, Malema was found guilty of contravening gun laws following a viral video showing him firing shots in front of about 20,000 people.

He’s appearing in the East London Magistrates Court on Wednesday for final arguments in aggravation and mitigation of sentence proceedings.

With sentencing set for Thursday, the State is urging that the court impose a 15-year prison sentence.

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Prosecutor Advocate Joel Cesar did not hold back, telling the court that Malema acted with deep malice.

He argues that Malema’s conduct was barbaric and warrants a harsh sentence - one that would set a strong example.

“In this instance, the accused did not just fire one shot, which we could have considered as an accident. He was malicious, to say the least.”

Cesar said it was a miracle that no one was injured when Malema fired the shots.

“His actions constituted extreme danger to the 20,000+ people present. It was by the grace of God that no one was injured.”

Considering that Malema is a lawmaker in Parliament, he added, it is quite ironic that he found himself on the wrong side of the law.