Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Julius Malema has been released on warning by the East London Magistrate’s Court in KuGompo City, pending appeal proceedings to be filed within 21 days.
This follows a five-year sentence handed down earlier on Wednesday. The court also imposed fines on several other counts, which will run concurrently with the main sentence.
Malema’s lawyer, Laurence Hodes, confirmed that his client has complied with all bail conditions since being released in 2019.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier said Malema’s legal status remains unchanged until the appeal process is concluded.
“Mr. Malema, the court does not have the intention of changing your status; therefore, you remain on warning pending the outcome of the appeal and petition regarding the conviction,” Olivier said.
Handing down a sentence in a packed courtroom, Olivier said the court had sufficient time to consider all submissions from the defence.
She added that the court took into account the seriousness of the offence, as well as the fact that Malema is a first-time offender with no outstanding cases.
Sentence breakdown:
* Count 1: Unlawful possession of a firearm – 5 years imprisonment
* Count 2: Unlawful possession of ammunition – 2 years imprisonment
* Count 3: Discharging a firearm in public – R20,000 fine
* Count 4: Failure to take reasonable precautions to person or property – R20,000 fine
* Count 5: Reckless endangerment to person or property – R20,000 fine
Counts 3, 4, and 5 carry an alternative of six months’ imprisonment if the fines are not paid.
VOC News
Photo: Screenshot
