Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema (C) speaks with his legal representatives in the dock at the East London Regional Court in KuGompo, formerly known as East London, on April 16, 2026, for sentencing over firing an assault rifle at a rally eight years ago.
JOHANNESBURG - Politicians have weighed in on the ruling against Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) leader Julius Malema after he was sentenced to five years' imprisonment.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier handed Malema a five-year direct prison term for violating the Firearms Control Act.
The charges stem from 2018 when he fired several shots in front of a crowd during the EFF’s fifth birthday party celebrations.
READ| Sentenced but not jailed: Malema’s five-year term sparks firestorm
He was convicted of the crime last year in October, leading to his sentence on Thursday.
While his application for leave to appeal the sentence was granted, his bid to have another court consider the conviction was denied.
Right after the verdict, reactions began pouring in; among those who responded was ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, who described the sentence as harsh. He even called on the spirit of Peter Mokaba to intervene.
"When I fought for Julius to succeed me as ANCYL President, we knew that the road ahead was treacherous and that the grandchildren of apartheid would never rest in their targeting of the Freedom in our lifetime Generation. This sentence is too harsh, and my thoughts are with my brother Julius. Silamulele Peter Mokaba, Silamulele," Mbalula said on social media.
SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi also weighed in, saying five years' imprisonment without the option of a fine left him in profound shock.
"As someone who has reflected deeply on past mistakes, I remain firmly committed to the principle that all must be equal before the law. But that principle must be applied consistently, and without exception, otherwise it loses its meaning.
"Having listened carefully to the proceedings over the past two days, I am concerned that this standard has not been upheld. It is my considered view that a higher court may well arrive at a different conclusion. That is my honest reflection," he said.
But as some politicians threw their weight behind Malema, there were those who welcomed the sentence.
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Among them was newly appointed DA Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, who praised the sentence, saying no one is above the law.
“Bringing law and order to South Africa must be our top priority. Gun violence is out of control in SA, so any illegal firearms crime should be taken extremely seriously. I welcome the sentencing of Julius Malema. This is how we must restore faith in our criminal justice system,” he penned on social media," he said.
Meanwhile, Good Party’s Secretary-General Brett Herron emphasised the need for the law to shield the public and be a stabiliser for society.
“It is right that Mr Malema is held to account. To do otherwise is to risk the very democratic fabric we seek to protect. However, the 5-year prison sentence feels harsh,” Herron said.
The UDM's Nqabayomzi Kwamkwa said the sentence was too severe and that Malema needed to be active in politics.
"It would be a travesty if, for example, his voice were to be silenced because of this matter, which I think was a reckless celebratory gesture, which I think he is being held to account for. It's good that the courts show that no one is above the law, but we want to make sure that there's fairness in the process, that when he takes it on appeal, he's able to ventilate his issues and talk precisely about this matter."
Former EFF member Mbuyiseni Ndlozi was also not short of words. On Wednesday, as the pre-sentencing commenced, he penned his thoughts about the matter.
"This country & society benefits NOTHING with Malema in prison. NOTHING! Not on those charges!
His voice is crucial right inside Parliament. We can’t give way to liberal right-wing forces to dominate. AfriForum must NOT WIN! Ngxa!"