Court hands Julius Malema 5 years direct imprisonment

Malema’s legal team is applying for leave to appeal his conviction and prison sentence.

His case stems from a 2018 incident in Mdantsane, where he fired a rifle during the party’s 5th birthday rally.

Malema showed no emotion when the East London Magistrates Court handed down the direct prison sentence. 

His family and EFF colleagues also didn’t appear shocked, but supporters outside the courthouse were taken by surprise.

Malema’s lawyer, Senior Counsel Laurence Hodes, said Malema’a conviction and sentence were flawed.

“It cannot be said that no other court might have a different assessment of all the evidence led in this trial. The accused is not on my reasonable, but has a good prospect of success on appeal. This application for leave to appeal against the conviction ought to be granted.”

However, the prosecution believes Malema’s bid to appeal will fail, 
saying any other court would uphold his conviction.

Political parties are reacting to the five-year direct prison sentence handed to Malema.

Newly elected Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a clear message that no one is above the law.

He described it as a good day for the rule of law in South Africa.

“Gun violence is out of control in South Africa, so any crime involving illegal gunfire is extremely serious. It's important to punish illegal firearm crimes harshly. Only when people understand that there are consequences for crime will we get gun violence under control in South Africa.”

The court has also given Malema a R60,000 fine.

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