WATCH EFF unrest: Mpumalanga Police Deploy Rubber Bullets, Teargas and Stun Grenades to Clear EFF Protesters Blocking N4 in Mbombela

Mbombela, South Africa — Police in Mpumalanga used non-lethal force, including rubber bullets, teargas and stun grenades, to disperse Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters attempting to block the N4 highway on Thursday 16 April 2026 following the sentencing of party leader Julius Malema to five years in prison.

The incident occurred hours after the East London Magistrate’s Court in KuGompo City handed down the sentence for Malema’s conviction on firearm-related charges stemming from a 2018 political rally.

Magistrate Twanet Olivier sentenced Malema to five years’ direct imprisonment on the main count of unlawful possession of a firearm, with additional concurrent sentences for related charges including discharging a firearm in a public place. The state had argued for up to 15 years, while the defence sought a non-custodial sentence. Malema’s legal team immediately indicated plans to appeal the ruling.

The 2018 Incident

The case relates to events at the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. Video evidence presented in court showed Malema firing several shots from a semi-automatic rifle into the air in front of thousands of supporters. He was convicted last year on multiple counts under the Firearms Control Act.

Legal analysts say that, if the sentence is upheld after appeals, it could disqualify Malema from serving as a Member of Parliament under South African electoral laws.

Protests on the N4

In Mpumalanga, EFF members responded by attempting to shut down sections of the N4, a critical arterial route connecting Gauteng to Mpumalanga and Mozambique. The highway sees heavy commuter and freight traffic daily.

Public Order Police units moved in to prevent the blockade and restore the flow of traffic. Officers deployed standard crowd-control equipment — rubber bullets, teargas canisters and stun grenades — to disperse the protesters. No major injuries were immediately reported, though the situation caused temporary disruptions and traffic delays in the Mbombela area.

Motorists were advised to avoid the route and use alternative roads while police operations continued.

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Reactions and Context

The EFF has described the prosecution and sentencing as politically motivated persecution. Party supporters across the country expressed anger, with some gatherings reported outside courts and in various provinces.

Police emphasised that while the right to peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution, blocking major national roads is unlawful and poses risks to public safety and the economy.

This is the latest in a series of protest actions linked to political developments in South Africa, where demonstrations on key infrastructure frequently lead to police intervention.

The story is developing. Malema’s legal team is expected to pursue an appeal, which could take months or years to resolve through higher courts.

This report is based on court proceedings, official statements and eyewitness accounts available as of 16 April 2026.