By Staff Reporter
The Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) deputy leader deputy president and parliamentarian Kalimbo Iipumbu said Thursday’s sentencing of South African Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema five years direct imprisonment for discharging a firearm in the public, did not come as a surprise.
Speaking to Confidente following the ruling, Iipumbu stressed that the outcome was anticipated, arguing that the case had long been viewed as an extension of broader political pressures.
He described the ruling as politically motivated as expressed concern over what he described as a harsher punishment.
“All along when this case came that it is politically driven.
Those that had colonized us still have this system of coming back to us as Africans. To continue oppressing us, even if we have political freedom in our lands,” Iipumbu said.
He linked the case to the historical mission of the EFF and noted that the movement is largely driven by politically conscious youth seeking economic emancipation across the continent.
He cautioned that imprisoning Malema would have triggered unrest in South Africa, describing the EFF leader as a key voice for marginalized communities.
“What would the country benefit? Because you are creating a chaotic moment where you lock up someone who is a voice of the voiceless. High unemployment levels in South Africa underpin the support base of the EFF” he added.
Iipumbu also criticized the handling of the case, questioning the severity of the sentence for a first-time offender and suggesting the judiciary should reflect on its conduct.
“Malema being the first offender, why impose a heavier sentence on someone who is even a leader of a political party?”
Iipumbu further alleged that external political influence may have played a role, claiming the matter extended beyond South Africa’s domestic realities.
Despite his criticism, he said the NEFF welcomed the fact that the matter would proceed to appeal, arguing that this would allow for a more balanced outcome.
“We welcome the decision, we welcome the appeal and we are praying that the revolution of emancipating our people economically will continue in a spirit that we will not surrender.”
He urged the courts to apply “common sense” and avoid being swayed by political emotions, emphasizing that penalties such as fines or warnings would have been more appropriate under the circumstances.
