Malema, who was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition after a 2018 incident in Mdantsane, says he remains confident.

“I feel confident. I think justice will prevail, and if anything goes wrong, there is still a recourse. It’s due process,” he told journalists.

He has already confirmed that he will appeal any sentence handed down, whether custodial or not.

The case, which has spanned more than seven years, stems from a video showing Malema firing what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle into the air during the EFF’s fifth-anniversary celebrations.

Crowds of EFF supporters are expected to rally outside the court in solidarity with their leader as proceedings continue.

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The pre-sentencing proceedings of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema have been postponed, with the East London Magistrate’s Court setting 15 April 2026 as the date for final heads of argument.

Malema, who was convicted in October 2025 of violating the Firearms Control Act, will have to wait nearly three months before learning his fate.

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Malema fired a rifle in the air during an EFF rally held in Mdantsane in 2018, while his defence argues he did not aim the weapon at anyone. The court said it would reconvene on April 15, with a possibility of a continuation on April 16.

On Friday, the court heard mitigation arguments from a private social worker, Tracy Thompson, who testified that Malema should not receive a custodial sentence.

Malema, addressing his EFF supporters said the dignity of black people had to be restored.

The EFF leader reiterated the EFF’s economic agenda.

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“We are right when we say this is our land. We’ll expropriate it without compensation. Whether they like it or not, we will nationalize the mines. We will establish the state bank. We’ll make sure that the people of South Africa participate in the economy of South Africa without any hesitation,” he said.

Malema went further, drawing a direct link between political representation and economic ownership.

“By how parliament looks, you can see who are the majority. Majority are black Africans, and minority are whites. That’s how the economy should be. The majority of the economy must be owned by majority of South Africans, and majority of South Africans are black Africans.”

He also added President Cyril Ramaphosa in his public address.

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He told supporters that future generations should “salute the graves of revolutionaries” but “pee on the grave of Ramaphosa,” whom he labelled a “sellout” for failing to return land to the people.

He insisted that true revolution meant a complete overhaul of the system, not incremental reforms like housing projects or job creation.

The charges stem from Malema discharging an automatic firearm in public during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, East London, in 2018.

He was found guilty on multiple counts, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in public, and reckless endangerment.

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“Should the Constitution or the court be used as a political football?” asked Tabane.

Malema was convicted last October of violating the Firearms Control Act and faces sentencing after being found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm, and reckless endangerment.

Tabane, speaking to reporters, stressed the broader significance of the moment

“A historical moment like this should not pass you by. You’ve got to be there to observe, to see how this takes the country forward. I believe that it’s not even about the EFF. Today it may be Julius Malema, tomorrow it will be you or me. So we’ve got to be here to make sure that we protect what the Constitution wants in this country,” he said.

His words carried a warning about the dangers of politicising the judiciary.

“Any judge has to be aware of the consequences of their decision,” Tabane added, noting that arguments for both mitigation and aggravation of sentence would be weighed.

“[The magistrate] must take account of all those arguments and try to be fair. I’m not for prejudgment of whatever she’ll come up with, but the facts will bear us out.”

Meanwhile, East London’s central business district was awash in red.

Supporters, clad in EFF regalia, berets, shirts, and carrying flags, marched through Currie Street, chanting slogans of solidarity.

Crowds also gathered at East London Airport, awaiting the arrival of their leader with songs and slogans that underscored the party’s defiance.

Malema, who is in court, has roped in seasoned advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi for the proceedings and appeal.

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