Proposed 15-year-sentence for Malema disproportionate: Expert
Malema's charges stem from a 2018 EFF birthday rally at Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape.
A legal expert, Mpumelelo Zikalala, says the state’s plans to push for a 15-year direct imprisonment sentence for Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, is disproportionate.
Malema was found guilty on multiple charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and discharging a firearm in a built-up area, endangering people.
These charges stem from a 2018 EFF birthday rally at Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape.
EFF members and supporters are holding a night vigil at a stadium in KuGompo ahead of Malema’s sentencing proceedings at the city magistrate’s court tomorrow.
Zikalala says he doubts that the state will get the 15-year direct imprisonment sentence it has requested.
“I don’t think that’s what the state is going to get because you have to balance the few variables which are going to be there. Firstly, the variable of saying ‘let’s look at the harm that has taken place’. Yes, a fireman was discussed, yes legislation was contravened, but no one got hurt and no one died. So when the sentence is being issued out, it must be a sentence that is appropriate. Don’t use a sledgehammer to kill a fly,” says Zikalala.
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