Whites controlled South African regime to jail Malema for 15 years

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema says prosecutors are pushing for a 15-year prison sentence as sentencing proceedings in his firearm discharge case approach in the East London Magistrate's Court.

Malema is expected to return to court next week for sentencing after being convicted on multiple firearm-related charges linked to a 2018 incident during the EFF's fifth-anniversary rally at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane.

During the rally, Malema was filmed discharging a firearm into the air in front of a large crowd of supporters.

In October last year, Magistrate Twanet Olivier found him guilty of unlawfully discharging a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and reckless endangerment.

Speaking to journalists in Johannesburg, Malema said the State was seeking the maximum possible punishment.

"The state is going for the kill, they want a 15-year jail term and we are prepared legally," he said. "We will see next week but they are going for the kill."

Malema is due to appear in court on Wednesday and Thursday next week for the sentencing phase, where the court will determine his punishment.

Despite his conviction, the EFF leader has indicated he intends to challenge the ruling, maintaining that the case against him is flawed and politically motivated.

The matter has drawn sustained public attention given Malema's prominence in South African politics and the seriousness of the charges.

The upcoming sentencing is expected to be closely watched, as it will determine whether one of the country's most influential opposition figures faces a custodial sentence or an alternative penalty.