AfriForum Seeks Prison Sentence and Fine for Julius Malema Over Land Invasion Calls

AfriForum has taken direct legal action against the Economic Freedom Fighters and its leader Julius Malema by issuing a contempt of court application in the High Court in Pretoria. The civil rights organisation is seeking a fine of 500,000 rand against the party and an 18 month prison sentence for Malema following repeated calls encouraging unlawful land occupations.

The application stems from an interdict originally issued in March 2017 that explicitly banned the political party and its leader from inciting or commanding people to trespass on private property. Despite multiple failed attempts by the defendants to challenge this ruling in higher courts including the Constitutional Court, AfriForum claims the political movement continues to disregard the judicial boundary.

Chief Executive Officer Kallie Kriel stated that court orders are mandatory laws rather than mere recommendations. Kriel emphasised that no political figures should operate above the rule of law while ordinary citizens are held accountable. The High Court will evaluate the evidence submitted by the civil rights group to determine if punitive sanctions are appropriate.