Political parties welcome Malema’s jail sentence, Mbalula sympathises

EFF leader Julius Malema arriving at the the City of Gompo Magistrate’s Court.

The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), GOOD Party and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have welcomed the sentencing of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema. But ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, has sympathised with Malema, calling the sentence “too harsh” and saying the “racist Afriforum” was sending a message against those standing up for black people and the marginalised.

Malema was sentenced to an effective five years in jail by the KuGompo City Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

However, the same court has granted the EFF leader leave to appeal the sentence, but it has stuck to its decision of a guilty verdict against Malema.

FF Plus MP Heloise Denner says this is a lesson to be learned by public office bearers that no one is above the law, regardless of their position.

“The Freedom Front Plus welcomes the sentencing posed on Julius Malema today. It proves that no one is indeed above the law, to even Malema even though he tends to think so. Furthermore, article 47 of the Constitution stipulates that a person may not serve in Parliament if she or he has been sentenced to a prison sentence of 12 months without an option of a fine. This, of course, is subject to the outcome of an appeal of which Malema will certainly apply. But the FFPlus will, however, monitor the situation and insist on his immediate removal from Parliament should his appeal fail. There is a greater onus on public office bearers to set an example of law abiding conduct.”

The newly elected DA leader and Executive Mayor of Cape Town Geordin Hill-Lewis has added that 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 firearms (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.”

♦️In Pictures♦️

Fighters, led by the Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, have gathered outside the Gauteng High Court in solidarity with the President ahead of the pre-sentencing hearing.#HandsOffMalema pic.twitter.com/7dkHh2zrxu

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 16, 2026

ACDP MP Wayne Thring has also weighed in, welcoming the sentence.

“The African Christian Democratic Party welcomes the sentencing of Julius Malema in the East London Magistrates’ Court today. This is the moment that reinforces one of the most fundamental principles of our democracy that no one is above the law. The court found that Mr Malema was guilty on serious charges stemming from the 2018 Mdantsane rally, which includes unlawful position of a firearm and ammunition. The discharging of a firearm in a built-up area and reckless endangerment among others. These are not minor infractions. They are offences that put lives in danger and undermined public safety.”

Good Party Secretary General Brett Herron says the sentencing ruling against Malema was a correct decision.

“In Julius Malema’s case, the state requested for a 15-year custodial sentence, always appears informative. It always seems unlikely that a court will impose a 15-year prison sentence on Malema on the crimes that he was convicted for. In the circumstances, even the five-year custodial sentence seems unduly harsh. But it is correct to hold Mr Malema to account.”

Parliament has not yet responded on what will be the implications of the sentencing against Malema as the Member of Parliament and if it will await his appeal case for him to stop being an MP.

Mbalula, in a Facebook post, offered message of support to Malema.

“The main message we are being told here by the racist Afriforum is that if we dare stand up for black people, dare stand up for the marginalised and dare stand up for our generational mission we will be targeted,” reads the post in part.

“When I fought for Julius to succeed me as ANCYL President we knew that the road ahead was treacherous and that the grandchildren of apartheid would never rest in their targeting of the Freedom in our lifetime Generation. This sentence is too harsh and my thoughts are with my brother Julius. Silamulele Peter Mokaba Silamulele,” continues the message.