Prosecutor threatened over Malema’s case; NPA condemns action

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has condemned threats made against a prosecutor in connection with a case at the kuGompo Regional Court, Eastern Cape.

This follows a tweet circulated on social media by accounts claiming to represent the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), where its leader, Julius Malema, was sentenced in a firearm discharge case.

Malema expressed a strong opinion on the need to teach a lesson to an arrogant prosecutor, whom he accused of suffering from “SHORT-MAN SYNDROME,” as stated in a tweet.

MALEMA: The Only thing we need to do is to make sure that this Prosecutor, who is arrogant, and suffers from SHORT-MAN SYNDROME, is taught a lesson! #HandsOffMalema

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 16, 2026

In response, the NPA denounced any intimidation or threats directed towards its prosecutors.

NPA National Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago highlighted the obligation of public officials to embody the state while fulfilling their constitutional duties.

Threats against authorities

He underscored the importance of executing their responsibilities with impartiality, free from any form of bias or favoritism.

“Threats against prosecutors, whether perceived as credible or not, must be treated with the utmost seriousness and reported to the relevant law enforcement authorities for investigation. 

NPA Condemns Social Media Threats Against Prosecutor in the Malema Case https://t.co/Rwv5ipDAk1 pic.twitter.com/3lwWmBbV1C

— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) April 17, 2026

“Such conduct undermines the rule of law and poses a real risk to the safety and lives of those entrusted with upholding justice.

“This concern is heightened in the Eastern Cape, where three prosecutors have tragically been killed over the past two years, underscoring the very real dangers faced by members of the prosecuting authority,” he remarked.

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Kganyago said the NPA remains resolute in its commitment to safeguard its prosecutors and ensure that they are able to perform their functions independently, safely, and effectively.

He added, “Prosecutors are officers of the court, and a threat to a prosecutor will attract consequences, and anyone must desist from whatever form of threat against them.”