Malema sentencing: EFF supporters paint kuGompo streets red

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters are starting to fill the streets of KuGompo in the Eastern Cape, preparing to march in support of their leader, Julius Malema.

Malema will know his fate on Thursday when he returns to the magistrates court for sentencing.

He was convicted in 2025 for violating gun laws for firing a rifle at a rally attended by more than 20,000 people.

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Malema addressed his supporters on Wednesday, after aggravating and mitigating factors were presented before the court.

EFF supporters who are marching from the Jan Smuts Stadium to the local magistrates court appear quite optimistic that this won’t be the end of Malema’s political career.

They’ve been chanting and singing throughout the night and said they don’t intend to stop until he’s handed a non-custodial sentence.

Malema has warned EFF supporters not to cause any disruptions if he receives an unfavourable sentence, urging them to tow the party line.

He also told supporters that he plans to appeal his conviction and will not allow himself to be imprisoned until the appeal has been heard.

The EFF leader also told journalists on the sidelines of his court appearance that he’s unfazed and believes he’s being targeted for his political views.

While he maintains that his conviction was flawed, he said his legal team put up a strong defence in court.