In brief
Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been sentenced to five years in prison for illegal gun possession and discharging a weapon in public during a celebration. While the court has allowed him to appeal the sentence, he could be disqualified from his position as a Member of Parliament if the verdict is upheld. The appeal process could take years, potentially enabling him to continue his political career.
Leading South African opposition politician Julius Malema, 45, has been sentenced to five years after being found guilty of the illegal possession of a gun and firing it in public. However, Magistrate Twanet Olivier has allowed him to appeal against the sentencing, meaning he was not immediately taken to prison.
Earlier, while standing in court in a dark suit and red tie, Malema showed little emotion as Olivier read out the sentence, even though his political future was at stake. Last year, he was convicted of multiple offenses, including unlawful possession of a firearm, discharging it in public, and reckless endangerment.
If his sentence is upheld, Malema will be disqualified from being an MP for five years. Nonetheless, political analysts believe the appeals process may take several years, thus allowing him to continue pursuing his political career. The charges stem from an incident in 2018 when a video showed him firing a semi-automatic rifle during his party's fifth-anniversary celebrations in the Eastern Cape province.
During his trial, Malema claimed he had fired the shots in celebration. However, during sentencing, Olivier stated, it wasn't... an impulsive act. It was the event of the evening. She emphasized that despite his political stature, he should be accountable for his actions.
Addressing his followers outside the court, Malema alleged a conspiracy behind his conviction and sentencing, declaring, They are trying by all means to silence this voice. They will never win. Known for his radical left-wing stance, Malema has long been a prominent and controversial figure in South African politics.
Hundreds of supporters rallied outside the court following the ruling, chanting in Xhosa, sigoduka naye (we are leaving with him today). Should his appeal succeed, Malema can continue to mobilize support for the EFF, which has gained ground by advocating for the redistribution of land in South Africa.
