Julius Malema Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison Over Alleged Gun Firing At Rally

A South African court has sentenced opposition politician Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), to five years in prison after finding him guilty of firearms-related offences linked to a 2018 political rally.

The court ruled that Malema unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition, discharged a weapon in a public place, and acted recklessly during the rally, where he was seen firing a rifle into the air in front of supporters. The incident, captured on video, later became a subject of legal proceedings.

Delivering judgment, the magistrate dismissed Malema’s defence that the weapon was a toy, stating that the evidence showed clear violation of South Africa’s Firearms Control Act. His bodyguard, who was also charged in the case, was acquitted.

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Following the ruling, Malema’s legal team immediately announced plans to appeal the decision. If the sentence is upheld, it could prevent him from serving as a Member of Parliament, a development that may significantly affect the political landscape in South Africa.

The EFF has criticized the ruling, calling it politically motivated, while supporters gathered outside the court in solidarity.