East London – Mantoa Malema, wife of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, arrived at the East London Magistrate’s Court in KuGompo City on Thursday, 16 April 2026, for the second day of pre-sentencing proceedings in her husband’s long-running firearm discharge case.
The proceedings, which began on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, with final heads of argument, were adjourned after a full day of submissions and are set to continue today, when Magistrate Twanet Olivier is expected to deliver the sentence.
Malema was convicted on 1 October 2025 in the East London Regional Court on five charges under the Firearms Control Act. The charges relate to an incident on 28 July 2018 during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. Video footage from the event showed Malema firing between 14 and 15 live rounds from a semi-automatic rifle into the air while on stage in front of approximately 20,000 supporters.
The specific convictions include unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up or public area without sufficient reason, reckless endangerment, and one additional offence under the Act. Criminal charges were originally laid by AfriForum in August 2018 following the rally.
Malema’s former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who faced related charges alongside him, was acquitted.
During the 15 April pre-sentencing hearing, the state argued for a custodial sentence of at least 15 years, citing the gravity of the offence and the potential endangerment to the lives of more than 20,000 people present at the stadium. The defence, led by Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC, described the state’s recommendation as disproportionate and irrational, submitting that a suspended sentence or fine would be appropriate given the circumstances of the case.
Mantoa Malema has attended the proceedings in support of her husband, arriving alongside family members as the court process unfolded over the two days.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with sentencing now in the hands of the magistrate following the conclusion of arguments. No further details on the expected outcome were available prior to today’s session.
Three Children Under 15 Wounded in Suspected Gang Retaliation Shooting in Bonteheuwel
Bonteheuwel, Cape Flats – Three children, all under the age of 15, sustained gunshot wounds during a drive-by shooting in the A-Block area of Bonteheuwel on Thursday.
Initial reports indicate that an unknown vehicle drove through the residential neighbourhood and opened fire near the home of a known gangster. The incident is believed to form part of a retaliatory attack connected to the killing of a suspected gang member in the same community earlier this week.
The children were not the intended targets of the shooting. They were struck by gunfire while in the vicinity of the location and received gunshot injuries as a result. Emergency medical services responded promptly and transported the three victims to a nearby hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
South African Police Service (SAPS) officials have confirmed that the matter is being investigated as a gang-related incident. The suspects fled the scene in the vehicle shortly after the shooting occurred. Authorities have initiated a manhunt for those responsible and have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that may assist in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
No specific details regarding the exact ages or identities of the injured children have been released, in order to protect the victims and safeguard the ongoing investigation. Police have also withheld the precise time of the incident and the description of the vehicle involved, citing operational considerations.
This event represents the latest reported case of gun violence affecting the Cape Flats region, where residents have repeatedly voiced concerns about the impact of gang conflicts on everyday community life and the safety of innocent bystanders, including children, in residential areas.
Police investigations continue, with the Anti-Gang Unit actively involved. Members of the public with relevant information are urged to contact law enforcement authorities without delay.
Motorist Foils Hijacking Attempt on R29 Near Leandra, Killing One Suspect and Leading to Arrest of Three Others
LEANDRA, Mpumalanga – A 37-year-old driver of a Ford Ranger bakkie successfully defended himself during an attempted car hijacking on the R29 road near Leandra on Friday morning, 10 April 2026, resulting in the death of one suspect and the arrest of three accomplices.
The incident occurred at the entrance to Leandra on the R29 coming from Kinross, approximately 2 km from the town. According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, the motorist was approached from behind by a Mercedes-Benz SUV whose occupants activated flashing lights and hazard lights in an attempt to pull him over.
The driver continued until he reached a location he considered safer, about 2 km from Leandra, where he pulled over. One suspect then approached the Ford Ranger from the driver’s side, while two other suspects, both armed with firearms, entered the passenger seat and the rear seat of the bakkie.
The motorist opened fire on the suspects. The group fled on foot into nearby bushes, returning fire as they ran. Police later traced the suspects’ movements and discovered the body of one man who had been shot. He was confirmed to be one of the hijacking suspects and was declared dead at the scene.
Officers continued their search and arrested three other suspects, aged 36, 40, and 50, in a residential area of Leandra. The men have been charged with attempted car hijacking and attempted murder.
The three arrested suspects appeared in the Leandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 April 2026. The case was postponed to Friday, 24 April 2026, to allow for further investigations. Police are examining possible links between the suspects and other car hijackings in the area.
Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that the investigation remains active. No further details have been released regarding the identity of the deceased suspect, any weapons recovered, or the full circumstances of the exchange of fire.
The R29 route in the Leandra-Kinross area has seen reports of similar hijacking attempts in the past, raising ongoing concerns about road safety for motorists in the region. Authorities have not disclosed additional information on the motorist’s condition or other aspects of the case at this stage.
This incident highlights the persistent threat of violent crime on regional roads in Mpumalanga, where motorists continue to face risks from organised hijacking attempts. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant when travelling in the area.
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Three Suspects Fatally Shot After Armed Robbery at Jewellery Store in Highveld Mall, eMalahleni
eMalahleni, Mpumalanga – Three suspects were fatally shot on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, during an armed robbery at a jewellery store inside Highveld Mall in eMalahleni (formerly Witbank).
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), approximately eight armed suspects entered the store around 10:00. They held a security guard and an employee at gunpoint and robbed them of an undisclosed amount of jewellery.17
An armed response unit intervened, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. Two suspects were shot and killed inside the mall, while the third was fatally wounded outside the building. The remaining suspects fled the scene and are still at large. Police have launched a manhunt for them.
At the scene, officers recovered three pistols, a rifle, and ammunition believed to belong to the suspects. Some of the stolen jewellery was later recovered in a getaway vehicle.
The affected area around the jewellery store was cordoned off as a crime scene. Shoppers inside the mall were instructed to take cover in nearby stores during the incident. No injuries or fatalities were reported among mall staff, security personnel, or the public.
Highveld Mall management stated that the centre remained operational throughout the day and was declared safe for shoppers, with normal business activities resuming.
The identity of the specific jewellery store has not been released, nor has the exact value or type of jewellery stolen.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the details of the incident. The case is being investigated as a business robbery, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is examining the circumstances of the shooting.
Warrant Officer Joseph Malebana is the investigating officer. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact him on 072 492 9635.
This event highlights ongoing incidents of armed robberies targeting businesses in the area. SAPS has not released further updates on the manhunt as investigations continue.
