The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) welcomes the sentence handed down today to Julius Malema, leader of the EFF, for discharging a firearm in public in 2018. It confirms that the rule of law still applies and that no-one is above the law.
Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution of South Africa stipulates that a person may not serve as a Member of Parliament (MP) if he or she has been sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine, regardless of whether the sentence is suspended.
Malema’s sentence is, however, subject to an appeal process. He is still allowed to serve as MP, pending the determination of the appeal. It is important to note this legality.
Malema also serves as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), a body that plays a key role in appointing judges. His conduct calls his suitability for this position into question, while demonstrating a lack of respect for the law and democratic institutions.
EFF supporters’ behaviour outside the court in East London over the past two days can only be described as unacceptable, and raises serious questions about the party’s ability to conduct responsible and mature politics.
The Freedom Front Plus would like to see Malema’s supporters accept the sentence and the relevant authorities nip any attempt at inciting public unrest in the bud.
The constant criticism of the court case was an opportunistic attempt to paint it as a racial matter in order to influence the outcome. A large group also chanted “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer” outside the court on Wednesday morning.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep a close eye on the case. If the final verdict justifies it, the party will insist that Malema be removed from Parliament in terms of the Constitution to ensure the integrity of the National Assembly (NA).
