South Africa’s Julius Malema Sentenced to 5 Years Over Rally Gun Incident

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been sentenced to five years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and discharging it during a political rally.

The incident dates back to 2018, when Malema fired a rifle into the air at a gathering marking the party’s fifth anniversary in East London. He is currently appealing the conviction and sentence.

Under South African law, a prison term exceeding 12 months could disqualify Malema from serving in parliament — though this would only take effect after all legal appeals are exhausted.

During the trial, defense lawyers argued that the act was part of a celebration and resulted in no injuries. Malema also told the court the firearm was not his and said he fired the shots to energize supporters.

However, Magistrate Twanet Oliver rejected that argument, describing the act as deliberate rather than impulsive. Prosecutors had initially sought a much harsher sentence of 15 years, emphasizing Malema’s influence as a political leader and lawmaker.

Malema, a prominent and controversial figure in South African politics, previously led the youth wing of the African National Congress before being expelled following a dispute with then-president Jacob Zuma. He later founded the EFF, which has grown into the country’s fourth-largest political party.

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the court during sentencing, singing and chanting in support of Malema. Upon learning he would be allowed to appeal, crowds reportedly celebrated, chanting phrases in Xhosa expressing solidarity.

The case was initially brought by AfriForum, an Afrikaner lobbying group that has frequently clashed with Malema over his rhetoric. The group has also challenged his use of the struggle-era song “Kill the Boer,” though a court previously ruled the chant was not hate speech and should not be interpreted literally.

Malema has continued to face legal scrutiny. In a separate case, he was found guilty of hate speech over remarks made at a 2022 rally, which a court said showed intent to incite harm. The EFF maintains his comments were taken out of context.

Following his earlier conviction, Malema struck a defiant tone, telling supporters that imprisonment would not deter his political mission and framing it as part of a broader struggle.

The case adds to ongoing debates in South Africa about political accountability, free expression, and the responsibilities of public figures.