Police in KuGompo City remained on high alert following a busy day and night of activity linked to the sentencing proceedings of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema.
Large crowds gathered at Jan Smuts Stadium on Wednesday night, where supporters held a vigil after Malema’s pre-sentencing hearing. The gathering prompted heightened police deployment across the area.
Police spokesperson Nobuntu Gatana confirmed that three incidents were reported during the night. One person was arrested for drug dealing at the stadium, while another was taken into custody for cable theft. A rape allegation was also reported, but the complainant later declined to open a formal case.
Despite these incidents, authorities said the vigil and related protests remained largely peaceful.
“Police remain visible and vigilant,” Gatana said, adding that sufficient personnel had been deployed and had been actively monitoring the situation since April 14.
Malema is expected to be sentenced on Thursday at the KuGompo High Court after being found guilty in October last year on five charges related to the Firearms Control Act. The charges stem from an incident in July 2018, when he discharged a firearm in a built-up area during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations.
During court proceedings, State prosecutor Advocate Joel Ceasar argued that the court should take into account what he described as premeditation and a lack of remorse on Malema’s part.
However, Malema’s legal team has rejected these claims, maintaining that the State has misinterpreted key aspects of the evidence presented during the trial.
Police say they remain prepared for any developments as the court prepares to deliver its sentence.