Julius Malema Sentencing: JJ Tabane Spotted Outside East London Court

• JJ Tabane was spotted outside the East London Magistrates Court showing support for Julius Malema ahead of his gun discharge sentencing
• Tabane said his presence was about protecting the Constitution, not politics, and raised concerns about the courts being politicised
• Malema, convicted of firing a gun at a public rally in 2019, has said he will appeal the verdict

EAST LONDON- Journalist, professor, and talk show host JJ Tabane was seen outside the East London Magistrates Court on Friday, 23 January 2026, where EFF leader Julius Malema faces sentencing for a gun discharge conviction.

Malema was convicted of firing a gun in public during a 2019 gathering and has said he plans to appeal the conviction.

Speaking to journalists outside the court, Tabane emphasised that his presence went beyond politics.

“A historical moment like this should not pass you by. We must be there to observe and see how this takes the country forward. I believe this is not just about the EFF. Today it might be Julius Malema, and tomorrow it might be you or me, so we must be here to protect what the Constitution wants in this country,” he said.

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Tabane also raised concerns about the potential politicisation of the courts, adding,

“Should the Constitutional Court be used as a political football? That is my question, and I want to keenly watch how the judge is going to play this.”

When asked how he expected the sentencing to unfold, Tabane added,

“Any judge has to be aware of the consequences of their decision, one way or another. She must take the accounts of both sides and try to be fair. The facts will bear proof.”

Social media weighed in on Tabane's presence

@Nyathi_nsindane said:

“I am speechless. Must judges now be afraid to rule because July 21 might happen again?”

@nyambenis commented:

“Magistrates don’t care; they release murderers and rapists who re-offend .”

@KagisoIsoboy stated:

“No amount of education makes a man wiser. There’s nothing political about what Malema did.”

@Ntlophi1 said:

“That’s why I love Professor Tabane, always speaking truth to power.”

@sfiso152 stated:

“This is a shameless display of elitism. Politicians are reminded they are not held to the same standard as ordinary people.”

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Duduzane Zuma criticised for supporting Malema

Another prominent figure in SA politics publicly showed support for Malema and faced criticism from South Africans ahead of Malema's pre‑sentencing court appearance. Many South Africans questioned the former president Jacob Zuma's son's loyalty and motives. Critics argued that backing Malema, who has been convicted and is awaiting sentencing, was inappropriate and politically fraught given the legal context. The backlash highlighted broader public unease over high‑profile figures aligning behind a controversial conviction in a matter that continues to draw national attention.

Previously, Briefly News reported that Julius Malema addressed his recent conviction for discharging a firearm at a rally and said he plans to appeal the decision rather than accept it. He insisted he would not “satisfy his enemies” by refraining from challenging the verdict and suggested his conviction would be contested all the way through the courts. Malema’s remarks drew varied reactions from South Africans, with some finding humour in his approach and others criticising his conduct.

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Source: Briefly News