A guilty verdict against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema for discharging a firearm at a public event has been hailed by lobby group AfriForum as a critical step in upholding the rule of law.
The East London Magistrates Court found Malema guilty on all charges related to an incident that took place during his party’s 5th birthday celebrations at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in 2018. The matter has been scheduled to return to court on January 23 for pre-sentencing proceedings. Malema has publicly vowed to challenge the judgment.
AfriForum, which had been pursuing the case for seven years, welcomed the court’s decision. The organization’s spokesperson for community safety, Jacques Broodryk, stated that the ruling was essential to reinstate public faith in the South African justice system.
“Well, we’re very grateful,” Broodryk said in a reaction to the verdict. “We think this ruling was essential to reinstate faith from the public side in the South African justice system.”
He expressed concern that the public had begun to lose faith due to many “politically connected” cases being ignored, leading to a perception that politicians face no consequences for misconduct. Broodryk described the verdict as a “great breakthrough” and a “big win for all the law-abiding citizens of South Africa.”
While pleased with the outcome, Broodryk clarified his sentiment, stating, “I wouldn’t say happy is the correct word.” He described it as a “very sad case” that a person in an influential position acted in a “very reckless manner.” The satisfaction, he said, came from justice being served and a clear message being sent.
“The clear message has been sent that when I do something wrong or you do something wrong, you’ll face the same consequences that politicians will face, and that’s necessary in a democracy,” Broodryk said.
Following the verdict, Malema addressed his supporters outside the court, maintaining that the case was racially motivated, a claim that was amplified after his co-accused, Adrian Snyman, was cleared.
Responding to the allegation of racial motivation, Broodryk dismissed it. “I think what the EFF should consider doing is getting together, have a brainstorm session and come up with great new creative excuses for their misconduct, something else than the race card because it’s really getting boring,” he said.
The case will continue on January 23, when the court will begin the process of determining an appropriate sentence.