Summary
South African politician Julius Malema was sentenced to five years in prison for firing a rifle in the air at a 2018 political rally. Malema’s lawyers have appealed the sentence, and he remains free during the appeal process.
Key Facts
- Julius Malema is the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), South Africa’s fourth largest party.
- In 2018, Malema fired a rifle into the air at the EFF’s anniversary event in KuGompo City (formerly East London).
- He was convicted on five charges including having a gun illegally and shooting it in a public place.
- The magistrate ruled the shooting was a serious offense, not an impulsive act or anger.
- Malema’s lawyers say the shots were meant to be celebratory and no one was hurt.
- A prison sentence over 12 months would stop Malema from being a member of parliament once appeals end.
- Malema denies guilt and claims the magistrate is biased and politically motivated.
- The case was brought by AfriForum, a group representing Afrikaner minority interests.
- Malema’s party, the EFF, supports land expropriation and has a Marxist background.
- In 2024, the EFF won 9.5% of the national vote, down from 10.8% in 2019.
