The East London Magistrates’ Court has postponed the case against convicted Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Malema, to 15 and 16 April 2026.
Malema was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharge of a firearm in a built-up area, failure to take reasonable precautions to person or property and reckless endangerment to person or property.
The incident relate to his firing several shots into the air during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebrations at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, in 2018.
Friday’s proceedings started with a series of delays as the regional courtroom set aside for the matter was too small to accommodate various media outlets.
The postponement follows the presentation of the pre-sentence report by the social worker appointed by the defence. The social worker was led by the defence and cross-examined by the state.
When proceedings got under way, Malema’s counsel called private social worker, Jessie Thompson, to read the pre-sentencing report she compiled into the record.
She detailed Malema’s “challenging” childhood in Seshego, on the outskirts of Polokwane, Limpopo. His family was not wealthy, and he was raised by his mother and grandmother, having never known his father.
Further details were provided about his current family dynamic and his “fierce devotion” to his wife, three children and the elderly members of his family and community.
The report of the social worker was challenged by the State advocate Joel Cesar, referring Thompson to several cases in her report where she recommended non-custodial sentences, or shortened terms of imprisonment, for serious crimes, including murder and domestic violence.
He intimated that she had a tendency to be lenient in her recommendations, and cited other cases where perpetrators faced similar charges to Malema and were sentenced to eight years behind bars.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, the October 2025 verdict was a reaffairmation of the NPA’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and proper administration of justice, without fear or favour.
“Contrary to the recommendation by the social worker for impositon of a fine or suspended sentence, the state will pray for a custodial sentence when arguing in aggravation of sentence,” said Tyali.
