Magistrate Olivier is “a racist of note”, says Malema

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, has lashed out at Magistrate Twanet Olivier of the East London Magistrate’s Court, describing her as “a racist of note”.

This after Olivier sentenced the politician to five years behind bars and a R60 000 fine.

Malema was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for the unlawful possession of a firearm, 2 years imprisonment for the unlawful possession of ammunition, and fines of R20,000 each for discharging a firearm in public, failure to take reasonable precautions, and reckless endangerment.

The court granted Malema leave to appeal his sentence, but denied his application for leave to appeal his conviction.

Addressing supporters outside court, Malema said the fight is far from over, confirming that his legal team will petition the High Court to appeal both the conviction and the sentence.

He has been released on warning pending the outcome of the appeal process.

The leader of the red berets was convicted for discharging what appeared to be a rifle during the party’s 2018 rally in Mdantsane.

The State had pushed for a 15-year prison sentence, arguing that Malema, as a lawmaker, should have known better and that the incident posed a serious risk to public safety.

Malema also criticised the magistrate for what he described as a prolonged case, accusing her of bias and of allegedly colluding with lobby group, Afriforum.

“She must know that in her sleep that she is a racist and she is possibly a member of Afriforum.

“That’s why when you mention Afriforum, she cannot hide her emotions.  Yesterday, when Ngcukaitobi mentioned Afriforum, she jumped.”

Meanwhile, Afriforum, which was the applicant in the case against Malema, says today’s sentence affirms that politicians are not above the law.

The lobby group’s CEO, Kallie Kriel, said Malema’s actions had gone unpunished for too long.

Afriforum’s Community Safety Chief Spokesperson, Jacques Broodryk, added that the reckless discharge of a firearm in a public space posed a real and unacceptable risk to human life.

“It is good to see that this type of behaviour is not normalised or justified under any circumstances.

“When the law is applied consistently and without fear or favouritism, public confidence in the justice system is strengthened. AfriForum will continue to uphold the rule of law and ensure equal accountability for all,” added Broodryk.

Civic movement, Forum for South Africa (FOSA) has also weighed in, slamming what it describes as a growing pattern of selective justice in South Africa.

The organisation’s leader, Tebogo Mashilompane, said the justice system in South Africa has become inconsistent, uneven, and dangerously politicised.

“South Africans are being murdered every single day. Criminals are roaming free. Cases collapse. Dockets disappear. Families bury their loved ones while the justice system does nothing.

“Yet suddenly, when it suits certain agendas, the system acts fast, decisively, and without hesitation. This is not justice. This is selective enforcement,” he added.

The sentencing of Julius Malema to five years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine has left me, like many others, in profound shock.

As someone who has reflected deeply on past mistakes, I remain firmly committed to the principle that all must be equal before the law. But…

— Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) April 16, 2026

The whites are coming for Julius Malema in SA.

All of Africa should be up in arms.. we should not allow them do this to Malema.

I am not South African but I view him as a freedom fighter for all of Africa! pic.twitter.com/CNsnfMFvaQ

— Unc Bill (@Uncle_1Bill) April 16, 2026

Afriforum is done with Julius Malema for NOW!

Their next target is going to be Fikile Mbalula.

They are coming for us one by one.

You can all rejoice for now because the Malema family is being Humiliated, but your BLACK leaders are NEXT.

That is how white Capital operates… pic.twitter.com/tJwEF4ALia

— Msunu ka Johann Rupert (@ZizinjaAbelungu) April 16, 2026

Uganda stands with Julius Malema.

Whites in South Africa are the ones using the court to send Malema in prison just because he wants black people to have a better life.

Blacks can’t be mistreated in their own continent.

This continent belongs to blacks.

Free Malema. pic.twitter.com/XdjmYr3Aa2

— Ssekatte Ratiifu(N.U.P)🏖️🇺🇬 (@SRatiifu687) April 16, 2026

If Julius Malema appeals, things might get worse. Those judges in Bloemfontein do not smoke Nyaope #EFF #CIC #moshabi

— LOMA (@thokzicbase) April 16, 2026

Julius Malema is the most powerful politician in this country

— The_Goat🇿🇦🇱🇸 (@PhutiMosotho) April 16, 2026

Can we all agree that the law is the law, the same law that Julius Malema is happy for Nigerians to break, has come to bite him today

— 𝑴 𝑮 𝑼 𝑳 𝑼 𝑲 𝑼 𝑫 𝑼 ™ 🎲 (@_MGLKD_) April 16, 2026

Julius Malema sentenced to five years in prison by a white judge over a minor issue like possession of a firearm while they let free murdereres and plunders of economy is a defilement to the African renaissance our fathers fought for ! #FreeMalema Unconstitutionally pic.twitter.com/FX5Q6I2NjF

— DH Oumah 🐦 (@dhoumah) April 16, 2026

Julius Malema was leading the witch-hunt against Jacob Zuma.
I can never forgive him for allowing Cyril Ramaphosa to step in smoothly.
He is a puppet nothing else.
Him going to jail changes nothing the damage he has done nothing for this country.

— Lordt 🇮🇹 (@Lordt_Pius) April 16, 2026