Malema claims “hidden hand” after sentencing outside East London court

Loading player...
EFF leader Julius Malema has alleged political interference in his prosecution, telling supporters outside the East London Magistrate’s Court that a “hidden hand” is driving efforts to derail his political career and weaken the party ahead of the 2026 local elections. This comes after he was sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment after being found guilty last year on five firearm-related charges linked to a 2018 rally, including unlawful discharge of a firearm in a public area. Malema, who is appealing the sentence, also accused the magistrate of bias and claimed external forces were influencing the case. Phemelo speaks to SAFTU General Secretary, Zwenzima Vavi.
17 Apr 5AM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

SA Listed Property: Stability Amid Uncertainty

Listed property is barely positive for 2026 — up just 0.1% after a volatile March. Analyst Keillen Ndlovu breaks down the impact of the Middle East conflict, rising municipal charges, sector consolidation, Iberian deal‑making, and the surge in Joburg’s residential developments. Plus: what to watch in the second half of…
19 May 5PM 17 min

Gauteng’s finances under pressure as municipal debt hits R173bn

Gauteng Finance MEC Nkululeko Dunga has painted a worrying picture of the province’s finances, revealing that municipalities owe a staggering R173 billion. Speaking to Phemelo, Dunga reflected on his first weeks in office since taking over on 1 April, saying engagements with Treasury officials, municipalities and stakeholders have exposed serious…
19 May 5PM 32 min

Eskom threatens Joburg with power cuts over R5.2bn debt

Eskom has warned that parts of Johannesburg could face electricity interruptions from 8 July if the city and City Power fail to settle a ballooning debt now sitting at more than R5.2 billion. The utility says Johannesburg has defaulted on a court-backed repayment agreement covering both historical debt and current…
19 May 5PM 6 min

Marble Towers demolition halted after court steps in

The City of Johannesburg’s planned demolition of illegal structures at the hijacked Marble Towers building in the CBD has been stopped in its tracks after the owners secured an urgent court interdict. The operation formed part of the city’s broader crackdown on illegal buildings, traders and bylaw violations in the…
19 May 5PM 8 min