Malema sentencing: Experts warn outcome could shape EFF’s political future
Political experts have weighed in as Julius Malema appears in the East London Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for sentencing in his firearm discharge case.
They told IOL that the outcome could have major consequences for both his political future and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
“The evidence demonstrated that he made use of a firearm that he did not possess a licence to use, and discharged that firearm in a public space, potentially endangering people around him. However, no one was injured or killed as a result of his actions,” said crime expert Guy Lamb.
He added that Malema’s situation differs from that of hardened offenders.
“Also, he does not have any prior convictions in relation to firearm-related crime…In that kind of case, you would expect more severe offences.
“The way in which he used it did present a risk of people being injured or killed…the judge would take that into consideration.”
Political analyst Goodenough Mashego said the sentence is unlikely to end Malema’s career.
“It’s unlikely to be a severe sentence. Malema is not aiming for anything above 12 months, because that will mean the end of his parliamentary career.
He added that any tougher outcome would be challenged.
“If he is sentenced to anything above 12 months, they are going to immediately launch an appeal, which will mean that the case is going to track longer.
“If it’s less than 12 months, I think he’s just going to let it go. This is a long case. It is a long deal.”
The charges against Malema stem from a 2018 incident at an EFF rally in Mdantsane, where he fired a semi-automatic firearm into the air. Co-accused Adriaan Snyman was acquitted in the same matter.
Former EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said South Africa gains nothing from Malema being behind bars.
“This country and society benefits NOTHING with Malema in prison. NOTHING! Not on those charges! His voice is crucial right inside Parliament. We can’t give way to liberal right-wing forces to dominate. AfriForum must NOT WIN! Ngxa,” he posted on X.
Senior political analyst Andre Duvenhage said the case reflects deeper institutional and political tensions.
“We haven’t seen the criminal justice system acting on this case, as is the case with many others,” he said.
“And this resulted in a private form of prosecution by AfriForum.” He warned on the seriousness of the matter.
“What is clear is that this case was a very serious allegation against Malema…and I believe that this is a serious form of misconduct and is going to get a strong sentence.”
AfriForum spokesperson Jacques Broodryk said the organisation expects the court to impose a strong and deterrent sentence.
“We are hoping for a fair and just sentence and we hope that the sentence will reflect the seriousness of the case.
“So it’s a serious crime and we hope that the sentence reflects the seriousness thereof,” he said.
Broodryk warned against political interference: “And we also hope that the sentence is heavy enough that it sends a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and that those with political connections or in politics themselves are not above the law as they often seem to think that they are.”
IOL News
