Julius Malema, a prominent opposition leader in South Africa and head of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been found guilty on multiple charges related to the illegal possession and public discharge of a firearm. The conviction stems from a video that surfaced in 2018, capturing Malema firing a rifle into the air during an EFF anniversary rally attended by thousands. He was also charged with reckless endangerment and faced a total of five offences under the Firearms Control Act, which stipulate a minimum prison sentence of 15 years.
Malema’s former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted in the same proceedings. This conviction follows an earlier finding of hate speech against Malema, who has a history of making inflammatory remarks concerning racial issues and land redistribution in South Africa, a nation still grappling with the legacy of apartheid.
During his defense, Malema reportedly stated that the firearm was not his and that the shots were fired to energize the crowd. Magistrate Twanet Olivier delivered the guilty verdict after a three-day hearing, postponing the sentencing until January 2026. Malema has remained defiant, telling supporters that imprisonment or death for the cause is an honor and vowing to appeal the decision, potentially up to the Constitutional Court.
The legal action was initiated following a complaint filed by the Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum, which had previously lodged a hate speech complaint against Malema with South Africa’s Human Rights Commission. AfriForum welcomed the conviction, criticizing Malema for promoting a “culture of chaos, violence and criminality.” Legal experts suggest Malema faces a strong possibility of serving a prison sentence, which could impact his political career as a Member of Parliament, depending on the final sentence and appeal outcomes.
Malema’s controversial statements and actions have drawn international attention, including being highlighted by former US President Donald Trump in discussions about alleged genocide against white Afrikaners in South Africa. He was also denied entry to the UK due to his political remarks. The conviction is seen by some as a significant moment in South African politics, highlighting the ongoing tensions and debates surrounding race, land, and justice in the country.
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