Ruptly
"Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has rejected a court ruling that sentenced him to five years in prison in a firearm-related case, saying his party will challenge both the conviction and the 'sentencing itself' at the High Court. "[We] dismiss a judgment which was poorly read and which was poorly written. She has granted us leave to appeal on sentencing and refused to give us leave to appeal on conviction," Malema said after the ruling in East London on Thursday. "We must petition the High Court to appeal the guilt verdict and the sentencing itself," he declared. He said his legal team was prepared for all outcomes, noting that the deputy president was in Grahamstown with papers ready to file an urgent High Court application if bail is denied. "We are not small children. We prepare for any eventuality. If she goes this way, we go the other way," Malema said. "We know we are dealing with an invisible hand, and therefore you have to be prepared at all material times." The incident dates back to 2018, en Malema allegedly fired an assault rifle into the air at an EFF anniversary rally in East London, leading to charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as reckless conduct. The opposition leader argues that the case is politically motivated and aimed at sidelining him ahead of upcoming elections, while authorities maintain that the prosecution is based on evidence and applies equally under the law."
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