Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been sentenced to five years in prison following his conviction on multiple firearm-related charges.
The sentencing relates to a 2018 incident in which Malema was filmed discharging a rifle during a political rally. The court found him guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and firing a weapon in a populated area, raising serious public safety concerns.
During proceedings at the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court, the magistrate stressed the gravity of the offence, noting the potential danger posed by the reckless use of a firearm in a public setting. Malema’s bodyguard, who was also implicated in the case, was acquitted of all charges.
Malema has argued that the case is politically motivated and sought to challenge both the conviction and the sentence. The court, however, dismissed his application to appeal the conviction, affirming that he had indeed broken the law.
He has nonetheless been granted leave to appeal his five-year sentence, meaning the matter will proceed to a higher court for reconsideration of the punishment.