Lobby group AfriForum has dismissed Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema’s claims that it is targeting him on racial grounds.

The organisation’s charges resulted in Malema receiving a five-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of violating firearm laws.

This relates to an incident in 2018, when he discharged a firearm at an EFF rally in front of more than 20,000 supporters.

Despite the sentence, Malema will remain a free man while he pursues an appeal at the Eastern Cape High Court.

Malema claims that AfriForum and the magistrate in his firearm discharge case, Twanet Olivier, acted in a racist manner towards him.

“Magistrate Olivier is a racist of note, and she must know that in her sleep. She is possibly a member of AfriForum. That’s why when we mention AfriForum, she can’t even hide it on her face.”

However, AfriForum’s spokesperson on community safety, Jacques Broodryk, said the racism claims are baseless.

“If that’s the case, then they need to explain to me how racism made Mr Malema fire that trigger and shoot those bullets into the air. That’s the one thing that no one seems to be able to explain to me.”

He said Malema’s sentence is a victory for the many people who could have been injured when Malema fired the rifle.

However, yesterday after after the his sentence AfriForum welcomed Malema's sentence. It says it is satisfied with the prison sentence handed to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, adding that it hopes the ruling will send a strong message.

The lobby group brought charges against Malema after he discharged a rifle in public during an EFF rally in Mdantsane eight years ago.

The KuGompo Magistrate’s Court has now concluded the matter, sentencing Malema to five years’ direct imprisonment for violating firearm laws.

However, Malema will remain out of prison while he pursues an appeal against the sentence.

Three AfriForum members attended proceedings at the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court as it handed down the sentence to Malema. Moments after the EFF leader was sentenced, the AfriForum delegation appeared visibly pleased.

Jacques Broodryk, the lobby group’s spokesperson on policing, described the five-year direct sentence as a victory for the rule of law.

"We are very happy with how the court proceedings went. It was a fair trial and a fair judgment. The magistrate is very lenient, and I think that’s something Mr Malema and his supporters should be grateful for," Broodryk stated.

Despite the ruling, Malema maintains that AfriForum is targeting him because of his political views. He further accused the organisation of being racist toward him.

The EFF leader's legal team is expected to move forward with the appeals process immediately to stay the execution of the five-year term.

By EWN. Image by News 24