Gareth Cliff Warns Julius Malema Could Fumble His Appeal With ‘Loose Talk’

Seasoned broadcaster Gareth Cliff has weighed in on Julius Malema’s legal troubles, warning that his public comments could damage his chances of overturning a five-year prison sentence.

Malema Sentenced but Granted Leave to Appeal

On Thursday, 16 April 2026, Magistrate Twanet Olivier sentenced Malema to five years behind bars following his 2025 conviction for firing a rifle into the air at a party rally.

Despite receiving a direct imprisonment sentence for unlawful possession of a firearm, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader was allowed to return home after being granted leave to appeal the ruling.

Gareth Cliff Calls Out ‘Hypocrisy’

Cliff shared his views in a video on his The Truth Report YouTube channel on Monday, 20 April 2026, where he criticised Malema for remarks made about the magistrate after sentencing.

He also took aim at what he described as double standards among some South Africans, referencing criticism aimed at Brent Bozell III.

“These are the same people who were horrified and were clutching their pearls just a few weeks ago when the ambassador from the United States to South Africa, Brent Bozell, said he respects the judiciary. He just thinks they’re wrong.

“They all went, ’He’s questioning the credibility of our judiciary.’ Those same people are not making a single sound about Julius calling the judge an ugly old white woman. So, we have hypocrisy as usual on the left,” he said.

Warning: ‘It Won’t Go Well in Court’

Cliff cautioned that continued attacks on members of the judiciary could backfire as Malema prepares to challenge his sentence.

“I think that we have a number of very, very good judges in this country, and by and large, the kind of ideological rhetoric that politicians depend upon to slither out of situations where they’ve got themselves into trouble.

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“It doesn’t normally apply in the courts. The courts are interested in facts. They’re interested in who, when, where, what, and how. And that’s all been dealt with. But it’s not going to go well if he continues to say terrible things about judges,” Cliff added.

Malema’s appeal process is now expected to draw significant attention, with legal experts and political observers watching closely to see whether the controversial comments will have any bearing on the outcome.