South Africans are divided over the sentencing of red beret leader Julius Malema. On Thursday, Magistrate Twanet Olivier sentenced him to five years in prison after he was found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm and discharging it in public.
However, Julius Malema and his legal team immediately filed an appeal on Thursday, which was granted, sparing him from spending the night behind bars.
Immediately after the verdict, reactions started pouring in. While some South Africans welcomed the sentencing, others said the Magistrate was too harsh, few even accusing the judiciary of politically targeting the EFF leader.
Malema has accused the Magistrate of being racist and siding with AfriForum, who brought the case against him.
Fikile Mbalula, Secretary General of the ANC took to X to express his anger at AfriForum, saying his thoughts are with his brother Malema and that the sentence handed down was too harsh.
Good Party’s Secretary-General Brett Herron emphasised the need for the law to shield the public and be a stabiliser for society but echoed Mbalulq’s sentiments that five year sentence was too harsh.
SAFTU President Zwelinzima Vavi said he was left in profound shock that EFF leader was sentenced to five years imprisonment without the option of a fine.
Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance praised the sentence and said no one is above the law.
Malema’s former friend and party member Mbuyiseni Ndlozi also couldn’t keep his hands off X. He said, “this country & society benefits nothing with Malema in prison. Nothing! Not on those charges!
His voice is crucial right inside Parliament. We can’t give way to liberal right-wing forces to dominate. AfriForum must NOT WIN! Ngxa!”