JOHANNESBURG – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is once again under legal scrutiny, this time following a complaint filed at the Equality Court in Johannesburg.
According to the Middelburg Observer, lawyer Hilmer Kruger has lodged a complaint against both Malema and the EFF, alleging conduct that falls within the jurisdiction of the Equality Court.
The matter was formally served at the Gauteng High Court.
Despite stating in his court papers that he fears victimization due to the nature of the complaint, which relates to alleged racially charged conduct and intimidation, his identity has since been widely circulated across various media platforms, according to Middleburg Observer.
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The complaint follows a series of controversial remarks made by Malema after his recent conviction.
He reportedly made inflammatory comments targeting the presiding magistrate and was also accused of making threatening remarks on social media directed at the prosecutor in the case.
Following his sentencing, Malema allegedly launched a scathing attack on Magistrate Olivier Twanet, referring to her as an “ugly white face” and accusing her of racism and white supremacy.
He further told supporters that he would no longer appear before her and claimed the judgment had been influenced by an “invisible hand”.
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Middleburg Observer noted that Kruger has also been vocal on social media, posting several videos following Malema’s sentencing for illegally discharging a firearm.
The Equality Court, which deals with matters relating to discrimination, hate speech and harassment, is expected to assess the merits of the complaint in due course.
These developments come in the wake of Malema’s conviction related to a 2018 firearm incident at an EFF rally in Mdantsane.
He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm, along with additional penalties.
The conviction stemmed from video footage showing him discharging what was identified as a semi-automatic rifle during the event.
Malema has since been granted leave to appeal his sentence and remains out on warning pending the finalisation of that process.
