JOHANNESBURG – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa has strongly condemned threats made on social media against State prosecutor Advocate Joel Cesar. Cesar was involved in the recent firearm handling case against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema.
The NPA stated it noted the threats with serious concern and affirmed its commitment to protecting its officials. "The NPA views these threats in a very serious light and will not hesitate to take appropriate action to ensure the safety of its officials," a spokesperson said. The authority emphasized that intimidation of prosecutors undermines the rule of law and the administration of justice.
The threats follow the conclusion of Malema's high-profile case. In March 2026, the Randburg Magistrate's Court found Malema not guilty on charges of illegally discharging a firearm at a 2018 political rally. The court ruled the state failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Legal experts and civil society groups have echoed the NPA's condemnation, warning that such threats create a chilling effect on the independence of the prosecuting authority and pose a risk to the country's judicial integrity.
