South African politician Julius Malema, leader of the leftwing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been sentenced to five years in prison for firing a rifle in the air at a political rally in 2018. The sentence was handed down by Magistrate Twanet Olivier in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London.
Malema was convicted last year on five charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place. The incident occurred during the EFF's fifth anniversary celebrations. Olivier stated that the act was not impulsive but a planned event of the evening. She emphasised the seriousness of the offence, noting that random shots often kill people, including children.
Malema's lawyers have appealed the sentence, and he remains free pending the appeal. The magistrate granted leave to appeal against the sentence but not the conviction. Malema's legal team plans to petition a higher court for leave to appeal the conviction as well. If the sentence is upheld, any prison term longer than 12 months would bar Malema from serving as a member of parliament.
In a defiant speech after the sentencing, Malema accused the magistrate of racism and failing to read written arguments. He claimed the trial was politically motivated, stating, 'We are fighting the enemy and the enemy is white supremacy.' The case was brought by AfriForum, a conservative lobby group representing Afrikaner interests.
State prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence, arguing that as a political leader and lawmaker, Malema should be held to a higher standard. The EFF, founded by Malema in 2013 after his expulsion from the African National Congress, advocates for land expropriation and nationalisation. The party secured 9.5% of the vote in the 2024 national elections, down from 10.8% in 2019.
