East London (KuGompo) — Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) began gathering outside the East London Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning as party leader Julius Malema faced the resumption of pre-sentencing proceedings in his firearms discharge case.
A heavy police presence was visible early in the day, with officers deployed from Pretoria to help manage the expected large turnout of EFF supporters, as the Buffalo City Municipality lacks metro police. A police helicopter was also seen circling overhead.
Reporters on the scene observed multiple media houses present, along with black BMW vehicles believed to belong to the EFF. Several individuals in the party’s signature black suits and red ties — often associated with EFF bodyguards — were noted exiting the vehicles. Strict rules governed access both outside and inside the court, with only two members per media house permitted inside the courtroom in anticipation of high numbers.
EFF leader Julius Malema was expected to arrive around 8:30 a.m. accompanied by his contingent, with proceedings scheduled to start around 9:00 a.m. and potentially continue into Thursday.
The state is seeking the maximum sentence of 15 years direct imprisonment for Malema’s conviction on multiple firearm-related charges, which stem from an incident at the EFF’s fifth birthday rally in Mdantsane in 2018. Malema has stated that he will take the matter on appeal, though this depends on whether the court grants leave to appeal.
Outside the court, an energetic atmosphere prevailed, with a stage being set up nearby for Malema to address supporters. Scores of EFF members, including many from the youth command, had already gathered at the nearby stadium since the previous night, with some having slept there after an EFF event. Additional supporters were expected to arrive throughout the day by bus and taxi from areas such as the Buffalo City Metro, OR Tambo, and other Eastern Cape districts.
A reporter at the stadium described the scene, noting that numbers were likely to grow significantly, similar to the strong turnout during earlier pre-sentencing appearances in January, which included Malema’s family.
Malema previously addressed the potential outcome, stating: “The law of this country will prevail against racism. No racism can prevail over the law. Any ruling that is unjust, any ruling that doesn’t follow the law and the constitution doesn’t deserve our respect. We must never respect anyone who uses the constitution of the Republic of South Africa to perpetuate racism, to perpetuate white supremacy.”
The two-day proceedings are seen as potentially defining for the EFF’s way forward, particularly in the context of upcoming elections.
Live coverage from both outside the court and the stadium continued throughout the morning.