BREAKING:South Africa opposition figure Julius Malema to spend 5 years in jail

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment for offences arising from the unlawful discharge of a firearm during the party’s fifth-anniversary rally at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in 2018.

Magistrate Twanet Olivier handed down the sentence after convicting Malema in October last year on multiple counts related to the incident, which occurred nearly eight years ago.

Malema was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, failing to take reasonable precautions to protect people or property, and reckless endangerment.

The case stems from widely circulated footage showing Malema firing several shots into the air while on stage during the EFF’s anniversary celebrations.

The court found that, regardless of the political context, his actions met the threshold for serious firearm offences.

During sentencing, Malema’s defence argued that the shots were fired for “celebratory” purposes, with no intention to cause harm.

They also stated that he had possessed the firearm and ammunition for only about a minute before returning it, and that no injuries or damage were reported.

However, the court accepted the State’s argument that the conduct posed a real risk to those present and undermined firearm regulations.

Magistrate Olivier further held that Malema’s status as a high-profile political leader aggravated the offence, given his influence on supporters and the public.

Malema’s co-accused and former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was accused of supplying the firearm, was partially acquitted.

He was cleared of charges relating to failing to take reasonable precautions and providing a firearm to a person not permitted to possess it.

The five-year sentence carries significant political and legal implications, particularly as South African law may disqualify Members of Parliament sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Malema is expected to appeal both the conviction and sentence, a process that could delay any immediate political consequences.