'The rule of law has been upheld'

Organisations fighting against gun violence, as well as those in favour of gun ownership, say the sentencing of EFF leader Julius Malema boosts the fight against gun violence.

- Masoka Dube

SUPPORT. EFF members protest outside the High Court in Johannesburg yesterday in support of party leader Julius Malema, who was granted leave to appeal his five-year sentence.

(Gallo Images)

Gun violence prevention expert Claire Taylor said Malema’s sentencing confirmed that nobody, including senior political leaders, was above the law and it recognises the particular responsibility of public figures with firearms.

Taylor said when Malema fired a gun at a political rally, he both glamourised guns and trivialised their deadly impact.

“South Africa has one of the highest levels of gun violence in the world, with more than 30 people shot dead every day. In this context, public figures have a particular duty to act responsibly,” Taylor said.

“When they treat guns as props or symbols of power, they feed a culture in which firearms are glorified and gun violence is normalised.