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Despite the efforts of Julius Malema’s legal team to argue mitigating circumstances in the East London Magistrate’s Court, today’s events in court have confirmed to AfriForum that no one, regardless of their status or political affiliation, is above the law. 

Malema was sentenced to five years in prison today. AfriForum views the sentence as an important step in restoring public confidence in the criminal justice system. However, Malema’s application to appeal the sentence and bail were granted.

This follows after Malema was found guilty in September last year on five charges under the Firearms Control Act, including discharging a firearm in a built-up or public area without sufficient reason, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

AfriForum’s continued pressure to have the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) prosecuted after he fired several shots in a public space in 2018 is proof of what’s possible when civil society refuses to allow serious criminal behaviour to be condoned or ignored.

“The reckless discharge of a firearm in a busy public space posed a real and unacceptable risk to human life. It is good to see that this type of behaviour is not normalised or justified under any circumstances,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety.

“When the law is applied consistently and without fear or favouritism, public confidence in the justice system is strengthened. AfriForum will continue to uphold the rule of law and ensure equal accountability for all,” adds Broodryk.

AfriForum played a decisive role in ensuring that this case was brought to court. Without the organisation’s intervention and sustained pressure, the case may never have come to trial in the first place.

According to Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, Malema’s actions have gone unpunished for too long. “It was essential that the court send a clear message that no one is above the law. Although it took eight years for justice to prevail, today’s outcome shows that perseverance matters.”

Issued by AfriForum