By Thapelo Molefe
All eyes will be on the East London Magistrate’s Court on Friday when EFF leader Julius Malema returns to the dock for a pre-sentencing hearing in his long-running firearms case, as the party mobilises supporters in what it describes as a politically motivated prosecution.
The case stems from the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018, where Malema was filmed discharging a rifle in front of a large crowd.
He was subsequently convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, and reckless endangerment.
Malema is expected to attend court in person and has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the firearm was a toy. He has vowed to appeal any sentence imposed, saying he is prepared to take the matter to the highest court in the country.
Ahead of Friday’s appearance, EFF supporters took to
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