Various political formations have voiced their sentiments regarding the conviction and sentencing of EFF leader Julius Malema to a 5- year jail terms this week.
The firebrand, self-styled “revolutionary” was found guilty and sentenced to prison by Magistrate Twanie Olivier in the East London Magistrates Court for violating the country’s gun-control laws.
The court found that Malema illegally discharged a firearm in public during the EFF anniversary celebrations at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London in 2018.
Malema had claimed that the firearm in question was a mere toy gun.
Magistrate Olivier granted him leave to appeal the sentence but denied him leave to appeal his conviction.
The following are the sentiments expressed by Democratic Alliance, Freedom Front Plus, AfriForum and Forum For South Africa.
1. GEORDIN HILL-LEWIS – DA FEDERAL LEADER
I welcome the sentencing in the matter of Julius Malema’s illegal use of a firearm.
Gun violence is out of control in South Africa, so any crime involving illegal gunfire is extremely serious.
It’s important to punish firearm crimes harshly because we can get gun violence under control only if people understand that there are consequences for such a crime.
The sentence also sends a clear message that in South Africa nobody is above the law and today is a good day for the rule of law in the country.
2.JACQUES BROODRYK – AFRIFORUM CHIEF SPOKESPERSON
Despite efforts by Julius Malema’s legal team to argue mitigating circumstances, the sentence handed down by the court has confirmed to AfriForum that no one, regardless of their status or political affiliation is above the law.
AfriForum views the sentence as an important step in restoring public confidence in the criminal justice system and AfriForum has played a decisive role in ensuring that the case is brought to court.
Without the organisation’s intervention and sustained perseverance the case may never have come to trial.
Although it took 8 years for justice to prevail, the outcome of the case shows that perseverance matters.
3.HELOISE DENNER- FREEDOM FRONT PLUS
EFF supporter’s behaviour outside the court in East London during the trial can only be described as unacceptable and raises questions about the party’s ability to conduct responsible and mature politics.
The Freedom Front Plus would like to see Malema’s supporters accept the sentence, and the relevant authorities must nip in the bud any attempt at inciting public unrest.
The constant criticism of the court case was an opportunistic attempt to paint it as a racial matter in order to influence the outcome.
A large group of EFF supporters chanted the controversial slogan “Kill The Boer, Kill The Farmer” outside the court.
4. TEBOGO MASHILOMPANE – FORUM FOR SOUTH AFRICA LEADER
Our argument is that Malema’s bodyguard Adriaan Snyman, who is a white guy, was exonerated even when it is clear in the video that he is the one who handed the gun to Malema.
Why is the white guy (Snyman ) in this matter not convicted because the law states clearly that a gun owner, even when he is licensed to possess a gun, must not give their gun to any other person.
Justice must not be selective and the impression being given here is that Malema himself came with the gun and started shooting skywards.
We are not saying Malema must not be punished.. what we are saying is that his bodyguard should have been convicted and sentenced just like Malema.
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