Malema confident ahead of pre-sentencing as State pushes for jail time

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, says he remains confident that “justice will prevail” as he prepares for his pre-sentencing hearing on Wednesday at the East London Magistrate’s Court.

Malema was found guilty in October last year by Magistrate, Twanet Olivier, on multiple charges, including unlawful possession and discharge of a firearm, reckless endangerment, and failure to take reasonable precautions.

The charges stem from a July 2018 EFF rally in Mdantsane, where Malema fired a rifle into the air. The firearm allegedly belonged to a security company linked to Adrian Snyman, who was acquitted in the matter, was the director.

The State is seeking a 15-year direct prison sentence, while Malema’s legal team is arguing for a fine. Final heads of argument are expected to be heard before the court during Wednesday’s proceedings.

Malema has confirmed that he will appeal should he be sentenced to prison. He stressed that legal teams in both East London and Bhisho will be on standby to file an urgent application.

“We will put in a leave to appeal. Once she rejects it, the Bhisho team will petition the High Court and send us proof that they have already petitioned the High Court and give it to her [judge],” said Malema.

♦️ICYMI♦️

We are going to East London on the 15th-16th of April 2026, for the sentencing and we’ve already said we’ll appeal the judgement.

All roads lead to East London Magistrate’s Court. #HandsOffMalema pic.twitter.com/BMeKvTSllV

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 14, 2026

He has also criticised the guilty verdict, describing it as politically motivated.

“The law was not used to arrive at a decision of the court. It was an emotional decision, but also a political punishment, not for what I was tried for. Maybe for the views I expressed somewhere, she has always had problems with those, and she said here’s an opportunity to fight those battles. But when we go and appeal, there are no emotions there,” insisted Malema. 

♦️ICYMI♦️

President @Julius_S_Malema explaining how the outcome of the East London Magistrates Court is more of a political punishment on his stance as a politician.

We will meet at the East London Magistrate’s Court on the 15th of April 2026. #HandsOffMalema pic.twitter.com/BRKY19PTn2

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 13, 2026

Meanwhile, Malema has secured a separate legal victory, with the Gauteng High Court ruling in his favour in a defamation case against social media commentator, Musa Khawula.

The court found that Khawula published false claims on social media alleging that Malema’s wife, Mantoa Matlala, had filed for divorce.

Khawula has been ordered to permanently retract the statements within 24 hours of being served, issue an unreserved public apology, and publish its across his platforms, including X. 

He must also ensure that the apology is distributed to media houses and online platforms that carried the claims.

In addition, the court ordered Khawula to pay legal costs, a punitive measure often reserved for serious misconduct in litigation.

♦️Breaking News♦️

The Gauteng High Court has ruled in favour of CIC @Julius_S_Malema in the matter against discredited social media commentator Musa Khawula.

The High Court has found that Musa Khawula wrote defamatory, untrue and unlawful accusations about the President of the… pic.twitter.com/d83ZIKoIv9

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 14, 2026