By: Zilungile Mkhize
EFF leader Julius Malema has accused the East London Magistrate’s Court in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, of bias and political interference following his sentencing.
The court handed Malema five years’ direct imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm after convicting him on multiple charges. These include the discharge of a firearm in a public place without sufficient cause, linked to the party’s anniversary rally held in the Eastern Cape in 2018.
Delivering the sentence, Magistrate Twanet Olivier stated that Malema’s actions were both planned and intentional, rejecting any suggestion that the incident was accidental or without serious consequence. The court emphasised the need to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability, particularly for public figures.
However, Malema has strongly criticised the ruling, alleging that the judgment was influenced by political considerations. He also accused Magistrate Olivier of racism, further intensifying tensions around the high-profile case.
