The National Prosecuting Authority has slammed threats made against one of its prosecutors in the KuGompo Regional Court where EFF leader Julius Malema was to five-year direct prison sentence for unlawful possession of a firearm.
Image: EFF
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has strongly condemned threats directed at one of its prosecutors involved in a case linked to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema.
The threats, which surfaced on social media platform X, are alleged to have originated from an account purporting to represent the EFF and were aimed at a prosecutor handling proceedings at the KuGompo Regional Court in the Eastern Cape.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the authority views the matter with serious concern, stressing that any form of intimidation against prosecutors will not be tolerated.
“These officials serve the public by representing the State and are constitutionally mandated to execute their duties without fear, favour or prejudice,” Kganyago said.
He added that threats against prosecutors, whether perceived as credible or not, must be treated with urgency and reported to law enforcement agencies for investigation.
The social media post attributed to Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema that has been condemned by the National Prosecuting Authority.
Image: SCREENSHOT
The NPA warned that such conduct undermines the rule of law and poses a significant risk to the safety of those tasked with upholding justice.
The authority also highlighted growing safety concerns in the Eastern Cape, noting that three prosecutors have been killed in the province over the past two years.
“This underscores the very real dangers faced by members of the prosecuting authority,” Kganyago said.
The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and independence of its prosecutors, warning that threats against officers of the court would have consequences.
“Anyone must desist from whatever form of threat against prosecutors,” Kganyago said.
The NPA responded after several posts from the EFF's official social media account quoted Malema as he took to the podium outside the court in the KuGompo City on Thursday after he was sentenced to an effective five-year jail term that he has appealed against.
"The only thing we need to do is to make sure this Prosecutor, who is arrogant, and suffers from short man syndrome, is taught a lesson," read one of the social media posts from the EFF quoting Malema.
Malema further slammed the magistrate accusing her of racism and described her as ugly.