Malema steps away from parliament as court battle threatens his political future

For the first time in years, Julius Malema is not commanding the noise inside parliament. Instead, the EFF leader is preparing for what allies and critics alike describe as the most serious legal fight of his career.

Malema is expected in the East London Magistrate’s Court this week for pre-sentencing hearings after being convicted last year on multiple firearms-related offences. The case, rooted in a moment that once played to roaring crowds, now threatens to reshape both his political future and the trajectory of the Economic Freedom Fighters.

A case that began on a stadium stage

The charges stem from the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in 2018, a high-energy rally that captured the party at the peak of its bravado. Malema was accused of firing live ammunition into the air during the event and illegally possessing a firearm, actions prosecutors argued endangered public safety.

At the time, Malema insisted the gun was not real. The court ultimately rejected that version, finding him guilty under the Firearms Control Act. Legal experts have since warned that the sentence could be severe, with estimates of up to 15 years cited as a maximum under the law.

That reality has forced Malema to shift focus away from parliamentary politics and towards the courtroom.

EFF rallies behind its leader

Outside the court, the EFF has called on supporters to gather in solidarity on 23 January, framing the charges as politically motivated and the ruling as irrational. On social media, red berets have echoed that message, with hashtags defending Malema trending intermittently since the pre-sentencing date was confirmed.

Supporters argue that the case is less about firearms and more about silencing a disruptive political voice. Critics counter that gun laws are not symbolic and that public figures should be held to a higher standard, especially in a country battling daily gun violence.

What the constitution puts at stake

Beyond the prison term itself, the political consequences may be even more significant. South Africa’s constitution bars anyone sentenced to 12 months or more in prison from serving as a member of the National Assembly. Eligibility is only restored five years after completing the sentence.

Political analyst André Duvenhage believes this could be a turning point.

He argues that a harsh sentence would likely remove Malema from parliament and could mark the beginning of the end of his dominance in national politics. According to Duvenhage, Malema may attempt prolonged legal appeals to delay the outcome, but the window for survival is narrowing.

A changing political landscape for the EFF

The court case arrives at a difficult moment for the EFF. Once known for filling stadiums and setting the national agenda, the party is now competing for relevance in a more crowded political space, particularly following the emergence of new players like the MK Party.

Duvenhage says the EFF’s influence has narrowed, with its strongest remaining base found among students and younger voters. He also points to internal leadership challenges and the departure of senior figures as signs of strain within the organisation.

Online, even some former supporters have questioned whether the party can thrive without Malema’s constant presence in parliament and on the campaign trail.

Why the courts are taking this seriously

Legal analyst Mpilonhle Baloyi has stressed that the judiciary is unlikely to treat the matter lightly. South Africa’s high levels of gun-related crime mean offences linked to firearms are viewed through the lens of public safety.

The pre-sentencing phase allows the magistrate to weigh several factors, including the seriousness of the offence, Malema’s personal circumstances, and the broader interests of society. Considerations such as remorse, previous convictions, the risk posed to others, and possible rehabilitation will all shape the final outcome.

A defining moment beyond the verdict

This case is no longer just about a shot fired into the air eight years ago. It has become a referendum on accountability, political power, and whether charismatic leadership can outlast the rule of law.

As Malema prepares for court, South Africa watches closely. The sentence will not only determine his personal fate but could also redraw the political map for the EFF and its supporters who once believed the party was unstoppable.

{Source:The Citizen}

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