S’African Opposition Leader, Julius Malema, Sentenced To Five Years In Prison Over Gun Charges

A South African court has sentenced Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema to five years in prison after finding him guilty of firing an assault rifle during a political rally in 2018.

The court ruled that Malema deliberately violated firearm laws when he discharged the weapon into the air during an EFF celebration event.

Delivering judgment, Magistrate Twanet Olivier said the act was intentional, noting it was not an impulsive action but part of the event itself.

Malema’s lawyers argued that the gunfire was purely celebratory, but the court rejected the defence and proceeded with sentencing. The EFF has described the case as politically motivated, while supporters gathered outside the court in protest.