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EFF members seen outside the the Regional Court in kuGompo where their leader Julius Malema was sentenced to five years imprisonment.
The newly elected Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Executive Mayor of Cape Town Geordin Hill-Lewis has welcomed the sentencing of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema in the Regional Court in kuGompo City on Thursday.
Malema has been granted leave to appeal the five-year sentence on firearm related charges and denied leave to appeal the conviction.
Hill-Lewis says this is a reflection that no one is above the law.
“I welcome the sentencing in the matter related to Julius Malema’s illegal use of a firearm. Gun violence is out of control in South Africa. So, any crime involving illegal gun fire is extremely serious. It’s important to punish illegal firearm (related charges) harshly. Only when people understand that their consequences for crime, will we get gun violence under control in South Africa. The sentence today also sends a clear message in South Africa that no one is above the law. So, today is a good day for the rule of law in South Africa.”
While Malema was granted leave to appeal his sentence, the court however denied leave to appeal the conviction.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier who delivered the judgment.
VIDEO | EFF leader Julius Malema’s sentencing:
♦️In Pictures♦️
The President and Commander in Chief @Julius_S_Malema together with his family at the East London Magistrates Court for his sentencing.#HandsOffMalema pic.twitter.com/gXN1PZQzaa
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 16, 2026
