The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, waits in anticipation as the sentencing proceedings are expected to start today and run until Thursday.
This comes as the state calls for 15-years direct imprisonment for Julius, as he stands accused of firing a firearm in a public space. This happened at the fifth anniversary celebration of EFF, where Julius allegedly fired a rifle in front of thousands of supporters at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018.
Also see: Julius Malema faces possible jail term and parliamentary ban
His charges include unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, reckless endangerment, and discharging a firearm in a public place. He first appeared in court after lobby group AfriForum laid charges against him under the FireArm Control Act.
Also see: Public persecutes Julius Malema for sentiments on Mkhwanazi’s ‘mess’
As reported by Algoa FM, Julius briefed the media on Friday, saying his legal team was ready to appeal after seeing the state’s heads of argument.
“We have already said we would appeal the judgment. You can see that someone is doing everything in their power to get me into jail. So I have no problem with that.”
Julius said they would continue to fight the matter legally.
“Here in South Africa, you don’t use the courts to fight political battles. So we are going there ready and knowing what the other side wants. They are coming in for the kill,” he said, adding, “we will meet in the courtroom.”
The EFF leader was previously charged alongside his co-accused and former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, before Magistrate Twanette Olivier dropped the charges against him due to insufficient evidence. Adriaan was alleged to have handed over the rifle used in the incident.
Also see: WATCH: Julius Malema belts out ‘Kill the Boer’ at EFFs 12th anniversary
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