South Africa’s Julius Malema Sentenced for Firearm Offences
South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison for firearm offences, but granted leave to appeal. The EFF leader’s conviction stems from a 2018 rally incident, raising questions about his political future as supporters rally in solidarity.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
East London - Firebrand South African opposition figure Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of illegally possessing a firearm and discharging it in public.
However, Magistrate Twanet Olivier granted Malema leave to appeal both the conviction and the sentence, meaning the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will not be taken into custody immediately.
Appearing in court in East London, Malema remained composed as the sentence was delivered, despite the potential implications for his political career.
The conviction stems from a 2018 incident in the Eastern Cape, where a video showed him firing a semi-automatic rifle into the air during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations.
He was later found guilty on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm, discharging a weapon in public, and reckless endangerment.
In his defence, Malema argued that the firearm did not belong to him and that he fired the shots to energise the crowd.
Delivering her ruling, Magistrate Olivier said the act was not spontaneous but rather a central moment of the event.
She stressed that Malema’s political influence did not affect the court’s decision, though she noted that, as a prominent public figure with a large following, he should be held accountable for his actions.
Malema, known for his outspoken and radical political stance, commands a strong and loyal support base. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the court, singing and chanting in solidarity.
When it was announced that he had been granted leave to appeal, supporters celebrated, chanting in isiXhosa, “sigoduka naye”, meaning “we are leaving with him today.”
Once a leader of the African National Congress Youth League, Malema was expelled from the African National Congress following a fallout with then-president Jacob Zuma.
He later founded the EFF, which has since grown into a major political force, finishing as the fourth-largest party in South Africa’s 2024 elections.
Following his conviction last year, Malema reportedly told supporters that imprisonment or even death would be “a badge of honour.”
