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EFF leader Julius Malema arriving in East London ahead ahead of the pre-sentencing hearing.
Political analyst Asanda Ngoasheng says if EFF leader Julius Malema receives a lenient sentence in his firearm case, it will indicate that those in political power are not held to the same rule of law as ordinary South Africans.
The case has been adjourned to the 15th and 16th of April in the East London Regional Court in the Eastern Cape for closing arguments.
Ngoasheng says the judge overseeing the case has a huge task ahead.
“I think that there is a lesson that needs to be taught because if he is able to get away with it, if the sentencing is light and it looks like it doesn’t disrupt his life in any way, (it) sends the message to South Africans that if you have a gun, you can shoot it and there’ll be no consequences. It also sends the message that being in political power makes you untouchable,” says Ngoasheng.
Political Analyst Asanda Ngoasheng on Malema’s court appearance:
Meanwhile, Malema says he will not be deterred from advocating for the marginalised, as he awaits sentencing following his conviction in the firearm case.
Malema says those who brought the matter to court did so out of hatred for what he represents, claiming that the conviction is an attack on his principles.
“Fighters, we must never lose this courage. It doesn’t matter what the magistrate decides. The revolution continues. We know why we are being attacked. We are attacked because we are the only black authority; we are the only black people who speak, and other people listen. They do not listen to anyone except the EFF, even when they pretend not to love the EFF, but when the EFF speaks, every black person wants to hear what the EFF said on this matter,” says Malema.
EFF Leader Julius Malema addresses supporters outside court:
