The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has condemned alleged threats directed at prosecutors handling the Julius Malema matter.
Image: Abongile Ginya / Isolezwe lesiXhosa
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has condemned alleged threats directed at prosecutors handling the Julius Malema matter.
Malema was sentenced to five years' imprisonment on Thursday for violating firearm laws in the East London Magistrate's Court.
The court granted him leave to appeal the sentence but dismissed his application to appeal the conviction. He has been released on warning pending the appeal.
On Friday morning, the NPA, in a statement, said it noted with concern the circulation of content on social media platform X, allegedly associated with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and targeting a prosecutor appearing before the KuGompo Regional Court.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said: "The NPA strongly condemns any form of intimidation or threats against its prosecutors."
He added: "These officials serve the public by representing the State and are constitutionally mandated to execute their duties without fear, favour or prejudice."
Kganyago emphasised the seriousness of the situation. "Threats against prosecutors, whether perceived as credible or not, must be treated with the utmost seriousness and reported to the relevant law enforcement authorities for investigation."
The NPA also pointed to the dangers faced by prosecutors, noting that three members of the prosecuting authority have been killed in the Eastern Cape over the past two years.
Kganyago warned that anyone targeting prosecutors could face consequences.
"Prosecutors are officers of the court, and a threat to a prosecutor will attract consequences, and anyone must desist from whatever form of threat against them."
A message attributed to EFF on X said: "The Only thing we need to do is to make sure that this Prosecutor, who is arrogant and suffers from SHORT-MAN SYNDROME, is taught a lesson! #HandsOffMalema."