Mpumalanga police used rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades to stop EFF supporters from blocking the N4 in Mbombela after party leader, Julius Malema, was handed a five-year prison sentence today, April 15, for discharging a firearm in public.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, there was a commotion involving law enforcement agencies on the N4 near the Mbombela High Court, where hundreds of supporters had gathered ahead of the court outcome.

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“During this time, the group started pelting stones at members of the public, including law enforcement agencies. The group also attempted to block the N4 road next to Courtside and the Mpumalanga High Court. It was during this time that police intervened to disperse the crowd, and Public Order Policing (POP) members had to use rubber bullets as well as tear gas,” he said.

Mdhluli added that police have opened a case of public violence at Nelspruit Police Station, but no arrests have been made at this stage.

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No damage has been reported so far, and police have intensified visibility in the area. The situation has since remained calm, and no roads are currently blocked around Mbombela.

“I can also confirm that the situation is calm in Mbombela, especially where the incident occurred. Although people are still gathered near the High Court, there is currently no violence taking place. We will continue to monitor the area until the crowd has dispersed,” he said.

Meanwhile, EFF Mpumalanga leader Collen Sedibe said he is aware of the behaviour of the supporters and does not blame them, as they were angered by their leader’s sentencing.
“If I also had a stone, I would have thrown it, as I do not agree with the judgment,” he said. He added that they will continue to back their leader and are prepared to defend him from going to jail.