EFF calls case against Marshall Dlamini 'vindictive, attempt to criminalise party leadership'
On Friday, the Cape Town Regional Court sentenced the EFF’s secretary-general to 18 months of imprisonment, suspended for five years. Dlamini has maintained his innocence, saying he was acting out self-defence.
EFF leadership attend the sentencing proceeding of the party's Secretary General Marshall Dlamini at the Cape Town Magistrates Court. Picture: @EFFSouthAfrica/X
JOHANNESBURG - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has described the assault on a police officer by its secretary-general, Marshall Dlamini, as 'revolutionary'.
On Friday, Dlamini was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment, suspended for five years for assaulting a police officer with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
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During the 2019 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, Dlamini slapped the police officer during a scuffle, which was widely circulated.
While the EFF has noted Cape Town Regional Court's sentence, its spokesperson, Leigh-Ann Mathys, insisted he has done no wrong.
“The rationale used by the court in its sentencing reaffirms our view that the case in its entirety was vindictive and is part of a broader attempt to provoke and then criminalise the leadership of the EFF.
“It is our firm view that there was a predetermined agenda to prevent the EFF leadership from executing its legislative responsibilities at the SONA on that day, and that prevention was physical.”
Meanwhile, Dlamini has maintained his innocence despite being convicted and sentenced.
Speaking outside of the court, Dlamini said he acted in defence of what appeared as a threat.
“The magistrate has sentenced us to an 18-month suspended sentence and a fine of R6,000 for defending the revolution.
“What happened on that day during the State of the Nation Address, what we did there, we've got no regrets. So, I've been found guilty of assault.”