KUGOMPO CITY – Police say they are on high alert ahead of the sentencing of Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema in the Eastern Cape.
Malema, is expected to be sentenced on Thursday in the East London Regional Court in his firearm discharge case.
He was convicted in October last year for violating the Firearms Control Act after firing live rounds during his party's birthday celebrations in 2018.
Party supporters have held night vigils ahead of the sentencing. A large crowd also gathered outside the court on Wednesday for day one of the pre-sentencing proceedings.
Athlenda Mathe, police spokesperson, said police have put necessary measures in place, after noting heightened public interest in the matter.
“We would like to assure the nation that we have a comprehensive plan in place across the country to ensure all the gathering happen in a peaceful manner.”
Mathe said on Wednesday night, national commissioner Fannie Masemola met with all nine provincial commissioners where he received a situational report on what transpired on Wednesday.
“No incidents were reported. All the EFF members gathered in an orderly and peaceful manner. That is what we are also expecting today. After the outcome, the members must conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner. So far, there is nothing to stress about, but we do remain on high alert.”
READ | 'Party built around one man' | If Malema falls will EFF fall with him ?
Mathe said police have learned from their mistakes since the July unrest in 2021 and they were better prepared.
“Intelligence is on the ground. We have displayed members strategically in all hot-spots. But at the end of the day, we rely on EFF leaders to talk to their members to conduct themselves orderly. Should they step out of line, we are well prepared. We will not hesitate to act decisively where there is lawlessness.”