Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has been at the center of legal proceedings concerning the unlawful use of a firearm, a case that has drawn both local and international attention. Malema attended a pre-sentencing hearing at the East London Magistrate’s Court on a Friday, with the case now postponed to Wednesday, 15 April 2026, for closing arguments and sentencing.

Malema's conviction stems from a 2018 incident during the EFF’s fifth-anniversary celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, where he was filmed discharging a firearm into the air. Last October, he was found guilty of contravening the Firearms Control Act. The charges against him include unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public place (or built-up area), reckless endangerment of people or property, and failing to take reasonable precautions to avoid danger. The political leader faces a minimum potential sentence of 15 years imprisonment for these convictions.

During the pre-sentencing proceedings, social worker Jessie Thompson was called by the defence to present a pre-sentencing report. Thompson testified that, in her opinion, Malema did not act with malicious intent when he fired the shots at the 2018 rally. She argued that a fine would be an appropriate sentence for Malema, citing his personal circumstances and social standing. Malema’s legal team, led by Advocate Thembeka Ngcukaitobi, further questioned Thompson on the extent to which the EFF leader’s political and community work should be considered as significant mitigating factors in determining his sentence, emphasizing the potential social impact a harsh sentence could have given his role as a political and community leader.

Adding a surprising international dimension to the case, an image of a group of white German social activists showing support for Julius Malema went viral on social media. This group was seen protesting in Berlin on a Thursday, holding placards and banners in solidarity with the EFF leader. A large red banner prominently displayed by the activists read: “No to [President Donald] Trump’s blackmail” and featured the words: “South Africa: Hands off Malema.” This unexpected show of international support left many South Africans surprised, with some even speculating whether the image might have been AI-generated.