A private social worker has told the East London Regional Court that Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is not a suitable candidate for direct imprisonment, as pre-sentencing proceedings in his firearms case continue.
Malema is before the court following his conviction for discharging a firearm during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane in 2018. He was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, and reckless endangerment.
In her pre-sentencing report, social worker Jessie Thompson told the court that no harm was caused by the incident and that the firearm was discharged in a celebratory manner, with no violent intent. She added that Malema enjoys a strong reputation as a community builder, citing his involvement in various charitable initiatives.
Thompson recommended that the court impose a fine reflecting the seriousness of the offences, with the fine suspended to encourage continued lawful behaviour. She further proposed that Malema be restricted from obtaining a firearm licence for a specified period as a deterrent measure.
In addition, she suggested that Malema be ordered to make a monetary donation as restitution to Gun Free South Africa, a non-governmental organisation focused on reducing gang violence in the country.
The matter continues in the East London Regional Court, where the state is expected to make further submissions before sentencing is finalised.