Julius Malema is facing a major legal setback after being sentenced to five years behind bars over a firearm incident at a 2018 political gathering.
The court ruled that the Economic Freedom Fighters leader illegally possessed a rifle and discharged it during the rally, an action the judge described as dangerous and unacceptable.
“It is clear that if crimes are allowed to go unchecked and unpunished, it poses a serious threat to our democratic state.”
Prosecutors had urged the court to impose a stiffer punishment, arguing that individuals in leadership positions must be held accountable because of their wide influence.
“The accused is a political leader with a huge following,” a prosecutor said, warning that such conduct could inspire others to act irresponsibly.
Malema’s defence team insisted the shots were fired in celebration and did not cause harm, but the court rejected that claim, concluding the act was deliberate rather than accidental.
“It wasn’t an impulsive act. It was the event of the evening.”
He has already moved to challenge both the conviction and the sentence. If the appeal fails, the ruling could cost him his position in parliament, as the law bars anyone sentenced to more than a year in prison from holding office.
