AfriForum welcomes Malema's prison sentence as victory for the rule of law

AfriForum says it is satisfied with the prison sentence handed to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, adding that it hopes the ruling will send a strong message.

The lobby group brought charges against Malema after he discharged a rifle in public during an EFF rally in Mdantsane eight years ago.

The KuGompo Magistrate’s Court has now concluded the matter, sentencing Malema to five years’ direct imprisonment for violating firearm laws.

READ: Political parties weigh in on Malema sentencing

However, Malema will remain out of prison while he pursues an appeal against the sentence.

Three AfriForum members attended proceedings at the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court as it handed down the sentence to Malema. Moments after the EFF leader was sentenced, the AfriForum delegation appeared visibly pleased.

Jacques Broodryk, the lobby group’s spokesperson on policing, described the five-year direct sentence as a victory for the rule of law.

"We are very happy with how the court proceedings went. It was a fair trial and a fair judgment. The magistrate is very lenient, and I think that’s something Mr Malema and his supporters should be grateful for," Broodryk stated.

Despite the ruling, Malema maintains that AfriForum is targeting him because of his political views. He further accused the organisation of being racist toward him.

The EFF leader's legal team is expected to move forward with the appeals process immediately to stay the execution of the five-year term.