
Julius Malema, leader of the Red Berets, is scheduled to appear in KuGompo City Magistrates Court this week for sentencing in a gun case. He was found guilty of contravening gun laws after firing shots in the air during the EFF's 2018 anniversary celebrations. The final heads of argument on pre-sentencing are set, with sentencing expected on Thursday. Under South African law, a prison sentence exceeding 12 months would result in Malema losing his parliamentary seat. Malema views the case as politically motivated, stating that the state is seeking 15 years of direct imprisonment. He has indicated his intention to appeal any conviction and sentence, which he believes would suspend the immediate effect of a jail term and allow him to retain his parliamentary duties. Malema affirmed that even if removed from parliament, he would remain politically active, serving in what he calls the "people's parliament" at Winnie Madikizela-Mandela House.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.