Song, smoke and defiance hung thick in the air outside the KuGompo City Magistrates’ Court as hundreds of red-clad EFF supporters turned a sentencing hearing into a show of force.
By Thursday afternoon, that tension snapped into celebration. Julius Malema – moments earlier sentenced to five years’ imprisonment – walked out of court to a hero’s welcome after being released on warning pending his appeal.
The crowd surged forward, singing and chanting, before being pushed back by security. Placards reading “Hands off Malema and the EFF” bobbed above a sea of red berets.
The build-up had begun days earlier. Supporters staged an overnight vigil outside Jan Smuts Stadium on Tuesday, then marched to court on Wednesday, framing the case as more than a legal battle – a political moment.
For many, the man at the centre of it all remains untouchable.
“He speaks the truth; he tells it like it is. I trust him,” said supporter Nolundi Ngwanya, her voice cutting through the noise.
Others saw something deeper in the case.
“There are many elements to this case, and it is racially motivated. We cannot be silent because if Malema is affected by racism, what about us in our workplaces?” said Thabiso Makhoba.
The scenes in KuGompo were echoed elsewhere. In Mafikeng, supporters gathered outside the North West High Court in parallel demonstrations of solidarity.
“We gathered in solidarity and support for our president and commander-in-chief as we believe he has been targeted because of the transformation agenda and the pursuit of economic emancipation,” said provincial secretary Papiki Babuile.
“We view his conviction and sentencing as an attempt to silence him and the EFF. We will continue to support and stand by him until the attainment of economic freedom in our lifetime.”
But beyond the chants and choreography, critics see something more rigid taking shape.
Political analyst Brutus Malada said the party’s internal dynamics revolve almost entirely around its leader.
“The EFF is organised in the same fashion. Malema’s voice is the only voice, and once he has spoken, anyone who differs risks doing so at their own peril. They get purged,” he said.
He described a relationship of mutual dependence. “Malema cannot survive without the EFF, and the EFF cannot survive without him. This cult mentality is stunting the progression of other leaders. Even if he is incarcerated, he would want to run the party from behind bars.”
Inside court, the tone was far more restrained. Magistrate Twanet Olivier handed down a five-year direct prison sentence for contravening the Firearms Control Act.
Within moments, Malema’s legal team moved to blunt the impact, filing for leave to appeal both conviction and sentence.
Olivier granted leave to appeal the sentence but refused leave on the conviction.
That split decision proved decisive: Malema walked free on warning, avoiding a night behind bars.
The case traces back to 2018, when Malema was captured on video firing a rifle into the air during the EFF’s anniversary celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane.
His co-accused, former bodyguard Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted.
Back outside, Malema struck a combative tone, turning the moment into a political rally.
“Wherever the enemy is, it is highly pained by the fact that we are going home… We are going home to work for the EFF. That’s what home means,” he said.
“It means the work of the EFF continues. We are going door to door, registering voters and ensuring we win municipalities. They are trying by all means to silence this voice, but they will never succeed.”
He reserved some of his sharpest words for the ruling itself.
“No sober judge will agree that a person fires one bullet and is sentenced to five years. A reasonable presiding officer would not come to that conclusion.”
For the party, the focus has already shifted beyond the courtroom. “The real contest in the Eastern Cape is between us and the ANC. The ANC is strong in rural areas, and that is where we are also gaining ground.
“Our strategy is to challenge it where it is strongest,” said provincial secretary Simthembile Madikizela.
The crowd slowly thinned, but the legal fight is far from over, and the political campaign continues.
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- Hundreds of EFF supporters gathered outside KuGompo City Magistrates’ Court in red attire.
- The group created a charged atmosphere with singing, smoke, and displays of defiance.
- The gathering coincided with a sentencing hearing at the court.
- The supporters' demonstration was seen as a show of force.
- Full details of the event are available in the Sunday World e-edition.
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For many, the man at the centre of it all remains untouchable.
“He speaks the truth; he tells it like it is. I trust him,” said supporter
“
“We gathered in solidarity and support for our president and commander-in-chief as we believe he has been targeted because of the transformation agenda and the pursuit of economic emancipation,” said provincial secretary Papiki Babuile.
“We view his conviction and sentencing as an attempt to silence him and the EFF. We will continue to support and stand by him until the attainment of economic freedom in our lifetime.”
But beyond the chants and choreography, critics see something more rigid taking shape.
Political analyst Brutus Malada said the party’s internal dynamics revolve almost entirely around its leader.
“
He described a relationship of mutual dependence. “Malema cannot survive without the EFF, and the EFF cannot survive without him.
Inside court, the tone was far more restrained. Magistrate Twanet Olivier handed down a five-year direct prison sentence for contravening the Firearms Control Act.
Olivier granted leave to appeal the sentence but refused leave on the conviction.
His co-accused, former bodyguard Adriaan
Back outside, Malema struck a combative tone, turning the moment into a political rally.
“Wherever the enemy is, it is highly pained by the fact that we are going home… We are going home to work for the EFF.
“It means the work of the EFF continues. We are going door to door, registering voters and ensuring we win municipalities.
He reserved some of his sharpest words for the ruling itself.
“No sober judge will agree that a person fires one bullet and is sentenced to five years. A reasonable presiding officer would not come to that conclusion.”
For the party, the focus has already shifted beyond the courtroom. “
“Our strategy is to challenge it where it is strongest,” said provincial secretary
Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content
