Julius Malema: From Political Firebrand to Convicted Offender

Wed Oct 22 2025 01:53:00 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

South African opposition leader Julius Malema faces a minimum of 15 years in prison after being convicted of illegal firearm possession and firing a gun in public, amidst ongoing tensions related to race and land rights in South Africa.

Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was recently convicted of multiple firearm-related charges, which come with a minimum 15-year sentence. The charges stem from a 2018 incident where he discharged a semi-automatic rifle during a party rally. Malema, known for his controversial rhetoric on land rights and racial justice, vows to appeal the ruling.

South African opposition politician Julius Malema has been found guilty of illegal possession of a gun and firing it in public, offences which carry a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. In 2018, a video emerged showing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader using a semi-automatic rifle to fire several shots in the air during his party's fifth anniversary celebrations held in the country's Eastern Cape province.

He was charged alongside his former bodyguard Adriaan Snyman, who was acquitted. Malema was convicted of hate speech less than two months ago and often lashes out at the white minority in a country where, 31 years after apartheid ended, racial tensions still run high.

He has called for the seizure of white-owned land and argues that more should be done to transfer wealth to the black majority. Malema was convicted of five offences, including the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging it in a public space, and reckless endangerment. These offences fall under the Firearms Control Act.

He was accused of firing between 14 and 15 live rounds on a stage in front of approximately 20,000 EFF supporters, according to South African news site SowetanLIVE. In his defence, Malema stated that the firearm was not his and he had fired the shots to rouse the crowd.

The case has sparked widespread discussion regarding the culture of violence and the political climate in South Africa. After being pronounced guilty by magistrate Twanet Olivier, the case was postponed to January 2026 for pre-sentencing.

Malema appeared unfazed by the verdict, asserting to supporters that going to prison or death is a badge of honour, and that they must never be scared of suffering for the revolution.

Malema's legal battles extend beyond this recent conviction; he intends to challenge the judgment in higher courts. His actions, including previous calls that have been deemed inciting violence, have made him a polarizing figure in South African politics and beyond.

Whether Malema will serve time remains uncertain, as he now must present evidence to the court to avoid the minimum sentence. Legal experts suggest there is a significant likelihood of him facing prison time due to the severity of the charges and the public environment of political discourse in the country.