By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE: The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) says it will argue for a prison sentence to be imposed against Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported that, the East London Regional Court in the Eastern Cape heard pre-sentencing arguments against Malema.

“The case has been postponed to the 15th and 16th of April for aggravation and mitigation of sentence. Malema was convicted in October last year for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area and reckless endangerment. The incident occurred during EFF’s 5th anniversary celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in 2018,” reads the SABC report in part.

But the defense team called only one witness, a social worker Jessie Thompson who suggested in her report that “Malema is not a candidate for direct imprisonment”, she recommended a fine or suspended sentence to be imposed citing nonviolent behavior in Malema discharging a firearm on the night.

The social worker further told the court that because no one was harmed as a result of the shooting, that symbolizes the nonviolent intent of the shooting, and that a shot was fired in a celebratory moment.

Thompson argued Malema has a good public reputation and is charitable to the less fortunate.

“This was a celebration shooting. The intent was not to harm, even the position was for a very short time. We are removing someone from society that is positive to society. He is a family person. Removing people from society, if l look at that, look at the price society is paying,”

Thompson told the court.

During cross-examination, the State  argued that the report held no basis to the charges faced by Malema, saying Thompson did not have adequate time to conduct a thorough assessment of Malema as she only spent a total of five (5) hours with him.