Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been sentenced to five years in prison by a South African court for firing an assault rifle at a political rally eight years ago.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier handed down the sentence on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the East London Regional Court. The magistrate ruled that Malema, 45, deliberately violated firearm laws by shooting into the air at an EFF rally in 2018.
“It wasn’t… an impulsive act,” Magistrate Olivier said. “It was the event of the evening.”Hundreds of Malema’s red-clad supporters gathered outside the court as the politically charged sentencing was delivered.
The state had pushed for the maximum 15-year jail term after Malema was convicted in October 2025 on multiple firearm-related charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public space, and reckless endangerment.Malema’s legal team argued that the shots were celebratory and indicated plans to appeal the sentence.
The EFF, a vocal opposition party, claims the case is politically motivated to silence its outspoken leader, who is known for fiery rhetoric. Supporters have threatened protests if Malema is imprisoned.The magistrate, however, stressed that the conviction was against Malema as an individual, not the party. “It is not a political party who has been convicted here… it is a person, an individual.”
The case was brought by the conservative civil rights group AfriForum, which has long criticised Malema, particularly over his use of the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant at rallies. Malema’s defence team is expected to pursue an appeal.
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