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.
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.
