South African opposition politician Julius Malema, leader of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) looks on after he was granted leave to appeal a five-year prison sentence by a magistrate's court,in KuGompo City, South Africa, April 16, 2026.
A South African court has sentenced radical opposition leader Julius Malema to five years in prison for discharging an assault rifle during a political rally.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday, stems from an incident that occurred eight years ago during a celebration organized by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a party Malema leads.
Hundreds of EFF supporters gathered outside the court ahead of the sentencing, many dressed in the party’s signature red outfits. The atmosphere reflected the political weight of the case, with supporters voicing strong backing for their leader.
Presiding magistrate Twanet Olivier ruled that Malema had deliberately violated firearm laws by firing the weapon into the air during the 2018 event. The court stressed that such conduct posed a serious risk to public safety and could not be overlooked.
The ruling adds a new dimension to the political landscape in South Africa, sparking debate around accountability, leadership responsibility, and the enforcement of firearm regulations.
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