Julius Malema Says He Will Not Be Intimidated by Young Afrikaner Boys Following Court Appearance

• Julius Malema addressed supporters outside the East London Magistrates Court following his first day of pre-sentencing
• The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader discussed what he would do after Magistrate Twanet Olivier made her ruling
• The Commander-in-Chief of the Red Berets also fired a slight jab at AfriForum and Afrikaners while addressing the crowd

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

EASTERN CAPE - Julius Malema will not be intimidated by anyone, especially young Afrikaner boys.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader made the statement outside the East London Magistrates Court on 15 April 2026, following his appearance in court.

Malema appeared in court for pre-sentencing after he was convicted on five charges related to the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000). The charges emanate from a 2018 EFF rally held in Mdantsane, during which Malema fired a rifle in the air.

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AfriForum's Ernst van Zyl welcomes Malema's sentence, says it's a major loss for lawlessness

The Commander-in-Chief of the Red Berets was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharge of a firearm in a built-up area, failure to take reasonable precautions to person or property and reckless endangerment to person or property.

What did Malema say?

Addressing supporters outside the court following his appearance, Malema thanked all those who came out to support him, as well as those who sent him letters and messages, and those who were praying for him.

He reassured the supporters that there was nothing that would disrupt the revolution.

"No one has reason to panic. I am too old to be shaken by young Afrikaner boys, he stated.

The CIC said that he had already dealt with their fathers when he was younger, and so he was not worried now. His comments also followed his chants of ‘Down with Afriforum, Down’. AfriForum laid the charges against Malema.

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EFF appeals after Malema sentencing as supporters rally outside East London court

Malema vows to appeal the decision

With Magistrate Twanet Olivier set to deliver her ruling, Malema vowed to appeal the case no matter what decision she made. The EFF leader told supporters that he would take the case up to the highest court in the land, saying that pursuing an appeal signalled disagreement with the magistrate's ruling rather than an absence of remorse.

Dr Mbuyisen Ndlozi defends Malema

Briefly News reported that Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi weighed in on Malema's upcoming sentencing in the East London Magistrates Court.

The former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member explained why Malema shouldn't be jailed for the crime.

South Africans took to social media to share mixed reactions about Dr Ndlozi's comment, with many criticising him.

AfriForum denies racism allegations

Briefly News also reported that AfriForum's Jacques Broodryk rejected Malema's allegations that he was racially targeted.

Malema was convicted on five counts under the Firearms Control Act after AfriForum laid charges against him.

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EFF feeds supporters outside court: 4 slices and a Coke

Social media users shared mixed reactions to AfriForum's explanation for why it charged Malema over the 2018 incident.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News