By Our Reporter
JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of firearm-related offences linked to a 2018 political rally.
The ruling was delivered by a magistrate court in KuGompo City, where Malema was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and discharging a weapon in a public place.
The case stems from a 2018 incident during the EFF’s anniversary celebrations in the Eastern Cape Province, where a video circulated showing Malema firing a rifle into the air.
Prosecutors argued that the act violated South Africa’s Firearms Control Act and endangered public safety.
Malema denied the charges, insisting the weapon seen in the video was a toy gun and that the act was not intended to cause harm.
Despite the conviction, the court granted him leave to appeal, meaning he will remain free pending the outcome of the appeal process.
The ruling has sparked political tension in South Africa, with the EFF describing it as politically motivated and warning of protests if the sentence is enforced.
Legal analysts say the appeal process will determine Malema’s political future, as South African law restricts convicted lawmakers serving custodial sentences without alternative penalties from holding office.
The EFF remains one of South Africa’s leading opposition parties.