Supporters flood East London ahead of sentencing as party condemns verdict.
More than 80 buses ferrying members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) from across the country arrived in the coastal city of East London yesterday, with additional buses arriving early this morning ahead of the sentencing of party leader Julius Malema, scheduled for today.
Malema was recently found guilty of the illegal possession of a firearm and discharging it in public. He was charged alongside his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was acquitted by the court.
The EFF has strongly condemned the verdict, describing Malema’s conviction as a political prosecution. Party members argue that Snyman, who is alleged to have supplied Malema with the firearm, was acquitted due to racial bias, claiming that his race played a role in the court’s decision.
EFF leader from the Matangari area, Cde Maano Mavhungu, who was also in East London yesterday, said party members are determined to show solidarity with their leader during the court proceedings.
Speaking to Gwen News Agency shortly after 7pm last evening, Mavhungu said EFF supporters were moved by authorities from the beachfront to a nearby park close to the court buildings.
“We have already painted East London red with EFF regalia, and we will all be in court today. Those who will not be able to enter the courtroom due to the large number of our comrades will sing freedom songs for the duration of the proceedings,” he said.
Mavhungu further stated that the masses of the country would never allow the courts to be weaponised against political leaders who are fighting for the total liberation of South Africa.
Political analysts across the country have predicted that any sentence handed down by the magistrate today is likely to be appealed to the highest court in the country.
Security is expected to be tight around the court precinct as large crowds continue to gather in East London ahead of Malema’s sentencing.
Angry members chant outside East London Magistrate’s Court as sentencing arguments continue.
Angry members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) gathered outside the East London Magistrate’s Court today, chanting and singing in support of their leader, Julius Malema, as the court heard mitigation arguments ahead of sentencing.
Supporters declared that should Malema be sentenced to imprisonment, they would willingly accompany him to jail, despite a heavy police presence monitoring the situation.
During mitigation of sentence, a private social worker, Jessie Thomson testified that Malema does not pose a danger to society and is a suitable candidate for a suspended sentence. The social worker further stated that the offence for which Malema was convicted did not result in harm to members of the public.
Malema was recently found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and discharging it in a public space.
Meanwhile, civil rights organisation AfriForum issued a statement calling for Malema to receive a direct jail sentence, arguing that the rule of law must be applied without fear or favour.
Police maintained a visible presence around the court precinct as tensions remained high.
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