Cape Town – Julius Malema is appearing in the KuGompo City Magistrates Court on Wednesday for sentencing after being convicted of violating firearm laws for firing a rifle into the air during an EFF rally in Mdantsane in 2018.
The court is currently hearing heads of argument as part of the pre-sentencing proceedings.
Malema’s legal team has argued that a prison sentence would be “grossly unfair,” noting that no one was injured during the incident.
Senior counsel Laurence Hodes told the court that a fine would be more appropriate
“What we say is that we have illustrated that mere possession does not always mean there should be incarceration. Each case must be evaluated on its facts and the facts of this case are indeed unique,” EWN quoted him as saying.
A custodial sentence could disqualify Malema from serving as a Member of Parliament for five years.
Malema maintains the case is politically motivated and has vowed to fight the outcome, saying, according to SABC News: “If they send me to prison, I will appeal, immediately. I will have a team in Bhisho and a team in East London, the same day. Once she says so, whatever, yes, then we put in a leave to appeal. Once she rejects it, the Bhisho team will petition the High Court and then send us proof that they’ve already petitioned the High Court.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
