Julius Malema

Following his 2025 conviction for several offences linked to firing a rifle at an EFF rally in 2018, Julius Malema was sentenced in April 2026 to five years' imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm, with concurrent sentences and fines on other charges. He remained free pending appeals.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Investigations and, in 2024, an affidavit from former VBS chairman Tshifhiwa Matodzi alleged that Malema and Floyd Shivambu had indirectly benefited from VBS funds through structures linked to the EFF. The case prompted calls for prosecution over several years.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

In August 2025, the Equality Court ruled that remarks made by Malema at a rally in 2022, referring to the possible need to kill in a revolutionary act and targeting white men perceived as racist, constituted hate speech under the Equality Act.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The struggle song Dubul' ibhunu, often rendered as "Kill the Boer", has generated litigation and enduring political controversy over Malema's performances since 2010. Earlier proceedings resulted in an adverse finding, but in more recent litigation the Equality Court and Supreme Court of Appeal held that the song, understood in context, did not constitute the alleged hate speech; in March 2025, the Constitutional Court refused AfriForum leave to appeal.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

An EFF statement issued under Malema's leadership accused Trevor Manuel of corruption and nepotism in the appointment process for the SARS Commissioner. The High Court found the statements defamatory, false and unlawful. On appeal, the Supreme Court of Appeal largely upheld the defamation finding while addressing remedies and damages separately.

Attribution

Personally implicated

The South African Revenue Service brought proceedings against Malema over substantial tax debt, resulting in a provisional sequestration order. Following agreements, challenges and partial payments, SARS withdrew its application to make sequestration final in 2015 and the court lifted the provisional order, while preserving the possibility of recovering outstanding tax.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Malema was charged in 2012 with money laundering and offences linked to Limpopo public contracts, with prosecutors alleging that he had benefited from a scheme involving public procurement. In 2015, a judge struck the case off the roll because of delays and procedural problems.

Attribution

Directly implicated

As President of the ANC Youth League, Malema was suspended and then expelled from the party following a series of confrontations with leadership, inflammatory remarks and accusations of sowing division. The break preceded the creation of the EFF in 2013.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated