KUGOMPO CITY - AfriForum has hit back at EFF leader Julius Malema saying the “race card” defence has run its course.
Malema returned to the East London Regional Court on Wednesday for pre-sentencing proceedings in his firearm discharge case.
Prior to the proceedings, on Tuesday, EFF Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini, slammed the case, describing it as a broader effort to weaken the party.
He went on to say that it is a racially motivated case driven by AfriForum.
READ | Malema arrives at court ahead of pre-sentencing proceedings
However, AfriForum insists the matter is not political, but about accountability for what it calls reckless and illegal behaviour.
"The EFF's race card has expired. It's an old story. It's boring. They need to come up with new excuses. Their leadership needs to start taking responsibility for their reckless and illegal actions. And that's what this is about," he said.
AfriForum's chief spokesperson for community safety Jacques Broodryk, said they are concerned about a growing number of people firing random gunshots in the air during celebrations, funerals and birthday parties.
"We recently saw this in Bloemfontein as well. We have seen a municipal official also made herself guilty of this. As you're speaking right now, AfriForum is busy compiling charges against another politician who recently fired shots into the air during a funeral," he added.
Malema will be back in court on Thursday.
According to Magistrate Twanet Olivier, who is presiding over the case, an aspect of the sentence is still to be decided on.
The State wants Malema jailed for 15 years. However, he intends to appeal.