The Equality Court has ruled that Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), crossed a dangerous line in 2022 when he told supporters to “never be scared to kill” during a rally. The court found the comments amounted to hate speech and incitement to violence, saying they could stir racial harm in South Africa’s fragile social fabric.
Judge Mark Sher stressed that Malema’s words were not just rhetoric but a clear attempt to promote hatred — particularly in the context of racial tensions following the Brackenfell High School confrontation. The ruling also held the EFF accountable, noting that the party had openly endorsed its leader’s remarks.
Reacting swiftly, the EFF said it would appeal the judgment, accusing the court of stripping Malema’s words of their historical and political context. In their view, the statement was not an operational call to violence but part of the party’s fiery political messaging.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomed the verdict, describing it as a victory against divisive rhetoric that threatens South Africa’s unity and international reputation. For Malema, already one of the country’s most polarizing figures, the judgment marks yet another turning point in his stormy political journey — a reminder that free speech has boundaries when it edges into incitement.
