EFF leader Julius Malema was sentenced to an effective five years’ imprisonment for discharging a firearm at a political rally in Mdantsane in 2018.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier gave several reasons for why she believes he should spend time behind bars.
Malema was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as unlawfully discharging a firearm. The court also found that he failed to take reasonable precautions to avoid danger to persons or property.
The magistrate ruled that the offences were not impulsive but planned. The court rejected the claim that the firearm was discharged as a celebratory gesture.
Olivier found that Malema’s actions were contrary to the constitution and amounted to a betrayal of public trust.