South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) declared it would ban civil rights group AfriForum as its first act in government, following leader Julius Malema’s five-year prison sentence for unlawful firearm possession at a 2018 rally.
EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys made the statement after Malema’s conviction at KuGompo Magistrate’s Court on charges including unlawful discharge of a firearm. The case stemmed from a viral video of Malema firing shots at the EFF’s fifth anniversary event at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, with AfriForum as a complainant.
“AfriForum is the reason we have been in this court,” Mathys said. “They spread lies about this organisation… Once we are in government, the first thing we will do is ban AfriForum,” she added, comparing it to the apartheid-era ANC ban.
AfriForum’s Jacques Broodryk rejected racism accusations, quipping, “If that’s the case, they will have to explain how racism made Mr Malema fire those shots.” He hailed the ruling as proof that “politicians are not above the law” and a win for law-abiding citizens.
Sentence Details
Malema received:
- 5 years for unlawful firearm possession.
- 2 years for unlawful ammunition possession.
- R20,000 fine for discharging a firearm in a built-up area.
- R20,000 fine for safety violations.
The fines and lesser terms run concurrently with the five-year sentence. Malema was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the outcome. Eastern Cape spokesperson Luxolo Tyali called it a “reaffirmation of the NPA’s commitment to the rule of law without fear, favour, or prejudice.” Director Barry Madolo emphasized equality before the law.