Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment by the East London Magistrates’ Court for discharging a firearm during a political rally in 2018. The sentence was handed down on Thursday by Magistrate Twanet Olivier at the Regional Court in East London, following Malema’s conviction last October on multiple firearm-related charges. The court found him guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public place,…

The Julius Malema firearm case reached a critical stage on Wednesday as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader appeared in the Magistrate’s Court in KuGompo City for pre-sentencing proceedings, drawing intense public attention and a heavy security presence. Malema, who was found guilty in 2025 of contravening firearm laws, stood before the court as both the State and his defence team presented final arguments in aggravation and mitigation of sentence. The conviction stems from a widely circulated 2018 video showing…

The Gauteng High Court has found that social media commentator Musa Khawula published defamatory, untrue and unlawful statements about Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Sello Malema and his wife, Mantoa Matlala Malema, relating to their marital status. In an urgent application heard in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg, under case number 2026-053903, Judge Wright ruled in favour of Malema and Mantoa Matlala Malema. The court held that specific statements made by Khawula, which alleged that…

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has mounted a strong public defence of his personal and political associations, rejecting allegations that he is linked to criminal networks and announcing legal action against Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene for defamation. Addressing a press conference on Thursday at Winnie Madikizela-Mandela House in Johannesburg, Malema was emphatic: “I do not engage in criminal activities. I am not a criminal.” His remarks come amid growing scrutiny following testimony at the Madlanga…

Let me outline why I, Millicent Mmajapo Kgeledi, felt the pressing need to go to East London. Once in a while, things happen that remind you of the deep hypocrisy that surrounds us. I did not go to East London because it was fashionable to do so. I went because there is an urgent need to raise my voice. Those who claimed that EFF President Julius Malema endangered the lives of our people have, for years, turned their backs on…

The East London Magistrate’s Court has found Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema guilty of firearm-related charges stemming from a rally in Mdantsane in 2018. The judgment, hailed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as a victory for the rule of law, has reignited fierce political debate about the state’s pursuit of Malema and the wider implications for opposition politics in South Africa. Magistrate Annette Olivier, delivering judgment, said the evidence presented by the state had been conclusive. “Indeed,…

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has welcomed a landmark ruling by the Western Cape Equality Court declaring that statements made by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema in 2022 amounted to hate speech and incitement to violence. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, 27 August 2025, found both Malema and the EFF jointly and severally liable for legal costs. The case stems from a fiery speech Malema delivered at the EFF’s Western Cape Provincial People’s Assembly in October…

In a landmark ruling, the Gauteng High Court has sent a clear and powerful message: hate speech, even when disguised as political rhetoric, has no place in public discourse. The case between EFF President Julius Malema and Patriotic Alliance (PA) Deputy President Kenny Kunene, one that has captured the attention of South Africans and beyond, sets an important legal precedent in shaping the standards of communication for politicians and public figures alike. With this judgment, the courts have reasserted their…

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) commander-in-chief Julius Malema hosted the June 16 rally at King Zwelithini Stadium in the south of KwaZulu-Natal. In commemoration of the 1976 Youth Day, EFF members gathered in uMlazi, including the president of the EFF’s Student Command, Sihle Lonzi, who took the stage to honour the youth who died in 1976. Lonzi spoke about the social relief distress grant of R350, saying it is not enough for South Africa’s youth. “R350 is not enough, we can’t…

Fresh from the chaotic regional elective conference that exposed deep-rooted factional battles within the party, the Limpopo ANC Peter Mokaba’s call for unity will come to the test as it is set for a fierce battle with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Polokwane Ward 13 by-elections. Polokwane Ward 13 is where the EFF leader and Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema comes from and has been run by his party’s councillor following the 2021 local government elections. Former ANC MP Boy…