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 following his firearm-related conviction.
Malema is appearing in court for pre-sentencing proceedings after being found guilty of discharging a firearm during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane in 2018. His conviction includes unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, and reckless endangerment.
In a pre-sentencing report submitted to the court, social worker Jessie Thompson said no one was harmed during the incident and that the firearm was discharged in a celebratory manner, with no intent to cause violence.
Thompson also highlighted Malema’s standing in the community, describing him as a community builder with a strong record of charitable work.
After assessing Malema’s personal circumstances, the seriousness of the offences, societal interests and relevant legislation, Thompson proposed an alternative sentence to imprisonment. She recommended that the court impose a fine reflecting the gravity of the offences, with the fine suspended to encourage continued lawful behaviour.
She further suggested that Malema be restricted from obtaining a firearm licence for a specified period as a deterrent, and that he be required to make a monetary donation to Gun Free South Africa, a non-governmental organisation focused on reducing gun-related and gang violence in the country.