Julius Malema
Image: Abongile Ginya
Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) today (16 April) received a five-year sentence for violations related to firearm handling and discharge. The East London Regional Court played host to the second day of sentencing, where the tension in the packed courtroom was palpable.
Malema was convicted last October on five counts, including violating the Firearms Control Act. The conviction stemmed from a notorious incident during the EFF's birthday celebrations in 2018, where he fired live rounds, igniting fierce public outcry and legal repercussions.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier presided over the proceedings, delivering a scathing statement regarding the gravity of the offence. In ensuring a fair sentence that balanced the needs of society with the circumstances of the accused, she remarked, “The sentence imposed should fit the offender as well as the crime. It must be fair to society and blended with a measure of mercy according to the circumstances of each matter.”
Olivier highlighted that while Malema is a first-time offender with no previous offences on his record, this should not lessen the seriousness of his actions. She expressed dismay at the defence’s portrayal of the firearm discharge as a “celebratory shot,” arguing that such reasoning was “nonsensical.”
Here is a breakdown of the sentence:
Count 1: Unlawful possession of firearm - 5 years imprisonment
Count 2: Unlawful possession of ammunition - 2 years imprisonment
Count 3: Discharging firearm in public – R20, 000 fine
Count 4: Failure to take reasonable precautions to person or property - R20, 000 fine
Count 5: Reckless endangerment to person or property - R20, 000 fine
Count 3, 4, 5 have an alternative of 6 months in prison if he can’t afford or pay the fines.