Firebrand opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after a court found him guilty of firing a rifle during a political rally.
The 45-year-old, a prominent figure in South African politics, was convicted last year on multiple counts, including illegal possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public space. The charges stem from a 2018 incident at a stadium in the Eastern Cape.
The ruling was delivered by a magistrate’s court sitting in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London. Moments after the judgment was pronounced, Malema’s legal team moved swiftly to file an application seeking permission to appeal.
“This outcome is deeply concerning, and we will challenge it through all available legal channels,” a member of his defence team said shortly after proceedings.
If the sentence is upheld after the appeals process, it could effectively end Malema’s tenure as a lawmaker a development likely to send shockwaves through his party, the Economic Freedom Fighters.
The EFF, currently the fourth-largest party in parliament, draws much of its backing from younger South Africans disillusioned by enduring economic and racial disparities since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Reacting to the verdict, a party supporter outside the court said, “This is not just about Malema it’s about silencing voices that challenge the status quo.”
Malema had consistently denied the allegations throughout the trial, maintaining his innocence on all counts.