Jessie Thompson, a seasoned social worker and qualified lawyer, testifying in mitigation of sentence on behalf of EFF leader Julius Malema, has recommended the imposition of a fine that reflects the gravity of the offences, with the fine suspended to encourage continued lawful behaviour.
Thompson, testifying in the East London regional court on Friday, also recommended that Malema should be restricted from obtaining a firearm licence for a specified period as an ongoing deterrent, and should also be required to make a monetary donation as restitution to Gun Free South Africa, an NGO focused on reducing gun violence in South Africa.
Malema is in the dock for presentence proceedings after he was convicted of five counts relating to the discharge of a firearm in 2018, during the partys birthday celebration in Mdantsane.
