The Economic Freedom Fighters filed additional contempt of court papers against Ngizwe Mchunu, seeking a six-month imprisonment term [1].
The legal escalation follows a dispute over defamatory allegations directed at EFF leader Julius Malema. The case highlights the tension between high-profile political figures and cultural activists in South Africa, specifically regarding the enforcement of court-mandated gag orders.
The Pretoria High Court previously issued an order on May 19, 2026 [2], barring Mchunu from repeating defamatory statements about Malema. This order specifically prohibited Mchunu from making claims that Malema protects undocumented migrants [3].
According to court documents, Mchunu was found guilty of contempt for violating that order [3]. The EFF subsequently filed the additional papers after a warrant of arrest was issued for Mchunu [1]. The party is now requesting that the court sentence Mchunu to six months in prison [1].
Xolani Zuma, the lawyer representing Mchunu, has been involved in the proceedings as the case moves through the Gauteng Province legal system [3]. While some reports indicated the defamation case had been finalized, the filing of an urgent contempt application suggests the legal battle remains active [2], [3].
This latest filing is part of a broader effort by the EFF to ensure compliance with judicial rulings regarding Malema's reputation. The party has moved to treat the violation of the May order as a serious breach of judicial authority, rather than a simple civil dispute.
“The EFF filed additional contempt of court papers against Ngizwe Mchunu, seeking a six-month imprisonment term.”
This legal move signals a shift from seeking civil damages to pursuing criminal penalties for contempt. By requesting imprisonment, the EFF is attempting to set a precedent that judicial orders regarding political defamation cannot be ignored without severe personal consequences, potentially chilling similar criticism from other activists.
