Johannesburg – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema will be absent from Parliament's ad hoc committee proceedings this week as he prepares for a crucial pre-sentencing hearing at the East London Magistrate's Court on Friday. The hearing follows Malema's conviction in 2025 on multiple charges related to a 2018 incident where he was filmed discharging a firearm in public.
The charges against Malema include unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public space, reckless endangerment, and failure to take reasonable precautions. These charges stem from an incident that occurred during the EFF's fifth anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane in July 2018, where video footage showed Malema firing a rifle into the air.
The upcoming hearing will determine Malema's sentence, with the possibility of direct imprisonment looming. A custodial sentence could have significant implications for Malema's political career.
According to the Constitution, any member of Parliament sentenced to more than 12 months' imprisonment without the option of a fine is disqualified from holding office for five years. This constitutional provision adds a layer of complexity to the proceedings, as a lengthy sentence could effectively remove Malema from his position as a Member of Parliament.
The EFF confirmed Malema's absence from the ad hoc committee's work this week in a statement released on Monday. The party has staunchly defended its leader, dismissing the court's ruling as politically motivated and irrational.
In its statement, the EFF maintained that the case against Malema was driven by hostility toward the organisation rather than concrete evidence. The party has consistently argued that the charges are part of a broader effort to undermine the EFF's influence and disrupt its political activities.
The EFF has urged the public to closely observe the legal proceedings, emphasising the importance of transparency and fairness in the judicial process. The party also cautioned against speculation regarding Malema's absence from parliamentary activities, seeking to manage public perception and maintain control over the narrative surrounding the case.
In Malema's absence, EFF Deputy Secretary-General Leigh-Ann Mathys will represent the party in committee engagements for the remainder of the week. This ensures that the EFF's voice continues to be heard in parliamentary discussions, even as its leader faces legal challenges.
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