Staff reporter
KuGompo – The State has asked the court to impose the maximum 15-year prison sentence on Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema after his conviction for firing a rifle into the air during a political rally.
Malema, one of South Africa’s most prominent politicians, was found guilty last year on charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place, linked to the 2018 incident.
Prosecutor Joel Cesar argued that Malema is a lawmaker who knowingly broke the law.
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In defence, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi sharply challenged the State’s reliance on case law.
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Ngcukaitobi urged Magistrate Twanet Olivier to consider more relevant precedents and to impose a non-custodial sentence instead of direct imprisonment.
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Outside court, political analyst Dr JJ Tabane said Malema is likely to appeal any custodial sentence and may rely on the acquittal of his co-accused.
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Addressing crowd outside the court Malema said he will go home.
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Sentencing due today, will Malema go home?
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