The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has condemned the circulation of social media posts containing threats against Advocate Joel Cesar, the prosecutor in the firearm case involving EFF leader Julius Malema.
The warning comes after Malema was sentenced at the East London Magistrates’ Court on Thursday to five years’ direct imprisonment after being found guilty on multiple firearm-related charges linked to a 2018 Mdantsane rally.
He has since been granted leave to appeal both the conviction and sentence and remains out on warning pending the outcome of the appeal.
The NPA said it strongly opposes any form of intimidation directed at prosecutors, stressing that such conduct undermines the rule of law and the independence of the justice system.
“These officials serve the public by representing the State and are constitutionally mandated to execute their duties without fear, favour, or prejudice,” the authority said.
It added that all threats against prosecutors, whether considered credible or not, must be reported to law enforcement for investigation, warning that such actions pose a risk to both personal safety and the administration of justice.
This concern is heightened in the Eastern Cape, where three prosecutors have tragically been killed over the past two years, underscoring the very real dangers faced by members of the prosecuting authority.
“The NPA remains resolute in its commitment to safeguard its prosecutors and ensure that they are able to perform their functions independently, safely, and effectively. Prosecutors are officers of court and a threat to a prosecutor will attract consequences and anyone must desist from whatever form of threat against them.”
Outside court, Malema addressed supporters, criticising the judgment and aspects of the proceedings, saying the outcome was unjust and questioning the magistrate’s handling of the case.
“We are being tried by a magistrate who doesn’t read… she is the most incompetent magistrate, who read a judgment for three days,” Malema said, adding that no “sober judge” would have imposed such a sentence.
The NPA has reiterated its call for all threats against prosecutors to be reported to authorities, stressing that intimidation of justice officials undermines the rule of law.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star