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Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema appears in court.
The Congress of Traditional Leaders (Contralesa) says the gun-firing sentence handed down to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema raises questions about fairness and leadership in the country.
Malema, on Thursday, received a five-year sentence and is expected to appeal the sentence.
Contralea President Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena says, “We know of many people who fired shots in the air during funerals and other activities or events, but not even one person was arrested. It is a pity that the political career and future of this brilliant young man were almost thrown into the dustbin.”
Malema Firearm Case | Malema supporters in Mahikeng react to sentencing:
Meanwhile, Gun Free South Africa (GFSA) says the sentence handed down to Malema in the firearm case sends a strong message on the seriousness of gun violence in the country.
GFSA Executive Director Dr Stanley Maphosa says, “The outcome reinforces the rule of law and affirms that the firearm use in South Africa is strictly regulated and subject to consequences. He has a right to own an arm. It’s a privilege that is under the law, and the law has demonstrated that. So all five sentences that have been given arise from a single incident of celebration, and it shows that one incident can create multiple offences because firearms introduce immediate and widespread risks. Therefore, they should not be used in celebrations of this manner.”
Julius Malema’s firearm case sentencing: 16 April 2026:
