KuGompo City – EFF leader Julius Malema struck a defiant tone ahead of a crucial court ruling that could shape his political future, insisting he remains “unshaken” despite the risk of jail time.
Hundreds of red-clad supporters gathered in KuGompo (formerly East London) on Wednesday ahead of sentencing on Thursday, with a heavy police presence as Economic Freedom Fighters members marched to court in support of their leader.
Malema faces sentencing for his 2018 firearm discharge case, with a ruling by Twanet Olivier expected on 16 April 2026.
If handed a prison term of more than 12 months without the option of a fine, he could lose his parliamentary seat and be barred from public office for five years.
Prosecutors are pushing for the maximum 15-year sentence.
Addressing supporters, Malema framed the case as political suppression, vowing he would not be silenced and confirming plans to appeal any guilty outcome to the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
♦️Happening Now♦️
President @Julius_S_Malema addressing groundforces outside East London Magistrates Court.
Noma kubi siyaya!#HandsOffMalema pic.twitter.com/WdO1fHKCNc
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 15, 2026
“We know what is at play,” he said outside the KuGompo City Magistrate’s Court.
“They use us to say whoever dares to speak truth to power must be taken to jail. We shall not be silenced under any circumstances.
“They can do whatever they want to do, but they will never silence us. They can imprison me, but they will never imprison my ideas”
The case was brought by AfriForum, a group that has long opposed Malema and has taken its complaints to Donald Trump.
The organisation has also criticised Malema over his use of the “Kill the Boer” chant, which South African courts have ruled is not hate speech when considered in its historical context.
The EFF leader also took aim at AfriForum, issuing a sharp rebuke to his critics.
“I stand before you unshaken by the threats of white supremacists – and because I fought them when I was still young, I am too old to be shaken by young Afrikaner boys when I have defeated their parents.
“So no one has reason none whatsoever to panic.”
Malema reassured supporters that the EFF’s mission would continue regardless of the verdict, saying nothing would disrupt the party’s “revolution”.
“There is nothing that will disrupt the revolution,” he said.
Malema was convicted on charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging it in public, stemming from a viral 2018 video showing him firing a rifle during an EFF anniversary rally.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@EFFSouthAfrica
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
