Firearm case against Malema disrupts EFF’s election plans, party admits
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has admitted that the ongoing firearm case against its leader Julius Malema may disrupt its preparations for the local government elections. Malema is facing sentencing for firearm-related charges stemming from a 2018 rally.
The EFF has conceded that the firearm case against its leader Julius Malema could disrupt the party's election plans. Party secretary-general Marshall Dlamini stated that the demands of the case, including repeated court appearances, are affecting the party's campaign. Malema was convicted in January on five counts related to firing a semi-automatic rifle at an EFF rally in 2018. The court is currently hearing sentencing arguments, with Malema's legal team arguing against a custodial sentence. The state is pushing for a prison sentence, while the defense argues that a non-custodial sentence is more appropriate given the circumstances. The case has drawn large numbers of EFF supporters to the city, with a visible police presence maintained throughout.
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