South African politician Malema sentenced to 5 years for firing rifle at rally

South African opposition leader Julius Malema was sentenced to five years in prison on Thursday for violating firearm laws by firing a rifle at a 2018 political rally. The conviction, handed down in October, included charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment. Malema was released pending an appeal, which will be heard at a later date. If the verdict and sentence are upheld, Malema would be disqualified from serving in Parliament under South African law. Malema criticized the magistrate, alleging bias, and vowed to appeal to a higher court.

South African politician Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was sentenced to five years in prison for discharging a firearm at a 2018 political rally in KuGompo City. Malema was convicted last year on charges including unlawful possession of a firearm. His lawyers immediately sought leave to appeal the sentence, which, if upheld, would bar him from parliament. The case was brought by AfriForum, a lobby group, and the EFF claims the case is politically motivated. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence, arguing Malema's actions set a bad example. The EFF, founded by Malema in 2013 after his expulsion from the ANC, secured 9.5% of the vote in the 2024 national elections.

South African opposition leader Julius Malema, head of the Economic Freedom Fighters, was sentenced to five years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm and discharging it in public. The charges stem from a 2018 incident where a video showed him firing a semi-automatic rifle during his party's anniversary celebration in the Eastern Cape province. Malema claimed the gun wasn't his and he fired it to rouse the crowd. The magistrate stated it was a planned act. Malema's lawyer immediately appealed the decision, which, if upheld, could disqualify the 45-year-old from serving as a Member of Parliament.

South African opposition leader Julius Malema, head of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was sentenced to five years in prison on Thursday for firing a rifle in public at a 2018 rally in Eastern Cape province. He was convicted last year on charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place. Malema pleaded not guilty, claiming the gun was a toy, but the magistrate deemed it a deliberate act. His lawyers are appealing the sentence, which, if upheld, would disqualify him from serving as a lawmaker. The case has drawn strong reactions, with EFF supporters protesting and claiming it is a politically motivated attempt to silence Malema.