East London – A social worker testified at the East London Magistrate’s Court on Friday, in mitigation of sentence for EFF leader Julius Malema, describing his difficult upbringing marked by poverty, the early death of his mother, and not knowing his father.
Jessie Thompson told the court Malema had no prior criminal record, showed good behaviour, and had a positive impact on society, arguing that a prison sentence would be unjust.
Malema was found guilty in October on five charges under the Firearms Control Act after he was filmed firing a semi-automatic rifle into the air at a 2018 birthday celebration in Mdantsane.
AfriForum laid the charges. Malema has maintained his innocence, claiming the case is politically motivated and previously saying the firearm was a toy.
Thompson recommended a suspended fine, a ban on obtaining a firearm licence, and a payment to Gun Free SA.
“While the accused maintains his innocence, he acknowledges the inherent risks of discharging a firearm in a public setting and regrets that the perception could be created that it is acceptable to recklessly discharge a firearm,” Thompson said.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier questioned the argument that the shooting was merely celebratory, warning against normalising such conduct.
Sentencing was postponed to April 15 to allow the state and defence to exchange heads of argument.
The proceedings drew strong support from EFF members, while the state challenged Thompson’s assessment, including the limited time spent evaluating Malema and her remuneration.
WATCH | Political analyst Asanda Ngoasheng has raised concerns about the number of people who turned out to support EFF leader Julius Malema at his pre-sentencing today, despite the gravity of the offence, particularly in a country grappling with high levels of gun violence. pic.twitter.com/TDwQ2owq4i
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 23, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
