Analyst predicts extended legal battle in Malema case

East London Magistrate Court, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Photo credit: Daily Dispatch)

South African civil rights organisation AfriForum says it is awaiting the sentencing of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, expected to commence on Friday at the East London Magistrate’s Court.

Speaking toFuture Media News, South Africa-based political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast said he does not expect the matter to end at the magistrate’s court level, predicting that Malema is likely to exhaust all available legal avenues.

“I know that he has instituted legal action to appeal the judgment,” Breakfast said. “My anticipation is that he’s going to take the matter up. If, for instance, he loses the appeal, he will take it all the way to the Constitutional Court, which is the final arbiter in the land.”

Breakfast, however, downplayed concerns that the case could trigger unrest or political instability.

“I don’t expect any major conflict that might break out,” he noted.

He added that tensions surrounding the case stem largely from perceptions about AfriForum’s role in initiating the legal action.

“The argument from some quarters is that had it not been for AfriForum, Malema would not have been sentenced. Therefore, AfriForum is seen as having unfinished business with Malema, and blame is being directed at the organisation.”

The sentencing proceedings are expected to be closely watched, as they may set a broader precedent on legal accountability for senior political figures in the country.