Mbalula Slams AfriForum as “Racist” After Julius Malema’s Five-Year Sentence

By Jarc Tusiime 

Johannesburg: Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has launched a fierce defence of EFF leader Julius Malema, describing yesterday's ’s five-year prison sentence handed down to him as “too harsh” and accusing civil rights organisation AfriForum of racism.

 

In a strongly worded post, Mbalula claimed the case forms part of a broader campaign by “the grandchildren of apartheid” to target black leaders who “dare stand up for black people, the marginalised and our generational mission”.

 

Mbalula, who helped install Malema as ANCYL president more than a decade ago, wrote: “When I fought for Julius to succeed me as ANCYL president, we knew that the road ahead was treacherous… This sentence is too harsh and my thoughts are with my brother Julius. Silamulele Peter Mokaba. Silamulele.”

 

The sentence relates to Malema’s actions at an EFF election rally in 2018, where he was filmed firing an assault rifle into the air. He was convicted in October 2025 on charges of unlawful possession and discharge of a firearm in public. AfriForum monitored and supported the private prosecution that led to the case reaching court.

 

Malema was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for the main count, with a concurrent two-year sentence on a related ammunition charge and fines on lesser counts. He has been granted leave to appeal.

 

The ANC leader’s remarks triggered an immediate backlash online, with critics accusing him of placing politicians above the law. Several users pointed out that the case centred on public safety rather than race, while others defended Mbalula’s stance as solidarity against perceived selective prosecution.