EFF leader Julius Malema’s pre-sentencing hearing has been postponed to April 15 and 16, 2026, in the East London Magistrate’s Court. Malema was convicted in October 2025 of violating the Firearms Control Act, stemming from an incident in 2018 where he fired a rifle into the air during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane ¹ ² ³.
The postponement allows for final heads of argument to be presented before sentencing. Malema’s defence team has presented mitigation arguments, including a social worker’s recommendation for a fine and restrictions on obtaining a firearm licence. The state is pushing for a custodial sentence, citing the seriousness of the offence ² ³.
Malema’s conviction carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, and a sentence exceeding 12 months could impact his parliamentary seat. The EFF has mobilised supporters, describing the prosecution as politically motivated
