Julius Malema says prosecutors are seeking a 15 year prison sentence as he prepares to return to court for sentencing in his firearm discharge case.
Malema is expected to appear at the East London Magistrate’s Court next week, where the court will determine his sentence following his conviction on multiple firearm related charges.
Conviction Stems From 2018 Rally
The case relates to a 2018 incident at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium, where Malema was filmed firing a rifle into the air during the Economic Freedom Fighters’ fifth anniversary celebrations.
In October last year, Magistrate Twanet Olivier found him guilty of unlawfully discharging a firearm, along with charges linked to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and reckless endangerment.
State Pushes For Maximum Sentence
Speaking in Johannesburg, Malema claimed the state is pursuing the harshest possible penalty. He described the move as an attempt to secure a lengthy prison sentence, adding that his legal team is prepared for the upcoming proceedings.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday and Thursday next week as sentencing arguments are heard.
Appeal Already In Motion
Malema has indicated that he plans to challenge the conviction through an appeal, maintaining that the ruling is flawed and suggesting there are efforts aimed at securing his imprisonment.
The case has attracted widespread attention since the 2018 incident, and the upcoming sentencing is expected to have significant political and legal implications.
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