South African court jails opposition leader Julius Malema for five years over rally gun incident

A South African court has sentenced radical opposition leader Julius Malema to five years in prison for unlawfully firing an assault rifle during a political rally in 2018.

The ruling was delivered on Thursday by a magistrate in KuGompo (formerly East London), who held that the act was deliberate and not spontaneous. According to the court, the shooting formed part of a planned event and was carried out with the approval of the accused and party leadership.

Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, had argued through his lawyers that the shots were celebratory and not intended to harm anyone. Prosecutors, however, sought the maximum 15-year sentence, citing the seriousness of illegal firearm offences.

His legal team has announced plans to appeal both the conviction and sentence. Reports indicate the sentence could threaten his seat in parliament if upheld, as South African law can disqualify lawmakers sentenced to more than 12 months in prison.

Hundreds of supporters dressed in the EFF’s signature red gathered outside the courthouse, while others assembled in cities including Johannesburg to follow the proceedings live.

The case has drawn political controversy, with the EFF claiming it is an attempt to silence one of the country’s most outspoken opposition voices. Meanwhile, critics welcomed the ruling as a sign that firearm laws apply equally to all citizens.