Julius Malema returns to court for sentencing

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is set to learn his fate as he returns to the KuGompo City Magistrates Court for sentencing.

Malema was convicted of contravening firearm laws, a ruling that could have significant implications for his political career.

The conviction stems from a 2018 EFF rally in Mdantsane, where he was captured on video firing shots into the air with what appeared to be a rifle.

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His court appearance on Wednesday has been set down for final heads of arguments for pre-sentencing, with final sentencing expected on Thursday.

The final moment has arrived after years of Malema standing trial in his firearm discharge case.

During the proceedings, the EFF leader maintained that the firearm seen in video footage was fake and did not contain live ammunition.

However, in its judgment, the court dismissed that argument, saying that regardless of whether the firearm was real or not, shots were fired into the air in front of thousands of people.

Malema has previously told supporters that he is being targeted and has questioned the legal basis of the guilty verdict.

“Any ruling that is unjust, any ruling that doesn’t follow the law and the Constitution doesn’t deserve our respect.”

Meanwhile, the party has booked the Jan Smuts Stadium, where its supporters will watch Malema’s sentencing proceedings on a jumbo screen.