South African court sentences Julius Malema to five years in prison
South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison for the unlawful discharge of a firearm at a political rally in 2018. The judgment was
South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison for the unlawful discharge of a firearm at a political rally in 2018.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday by the East London Regional Magistrate Court, six months after Malema was convicted on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of ammunition, reckless endangerment, and discharging a firearm in a public space.
Delivering the sentence, Magistrate Twanet Olivier said the court considered the defence’s arguments but rejected claims that the act was merely celebratory.
“It wasn’t an impulsive act. It wasn’t anger. It was the event of the evening. It should take considerable planning for an event of that magnitude as to how, when, and exactly at what time you will take possession of the firearm and where you will fire it from. To reason any otherwise is nonsensical,” she said.
Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, fired live rounds into the air during the party’s fifth anniversary celebration in 2018.
The court held that he was aware of the potential danger posed by his actions but proceeded regardless.
“This decision was made long before the actual event. Such acts cannot be condoned by this court in any instance and further justify the commission of a crime that was a celebration,” Olivier said.
She added that the duration of the act did not lessen its impact.
The five-year sentence could have significant political implications for the 45-year-old, potentially disqualifying him from parliament under South African law, which bars lawmakers sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment.
The ruling is seen as a setback for the Economic Freedom Fighters, a party with strong support among young South Africans, particularly those frustrated by persistent inequality since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Malema’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal the judgment, raising the possibility that he could avoid serving the sentence if a higher court overturns the ruling.
