Africanews

South African opposition politician gets jail term for gun offence

The Citizen

Julius Malema sentenced to direct imprisonment and fines

The Whistler

South African Opposition Leader Malema Jailed For Five Years

SaharaReporters

Facebook

1660202505320274

Youtube

- YouTube

Metaculus

Will the following countries experience a civil war before 2036?

SABC News

Malema calls sentence against him biased, driven by racial prejudice

2026 04 16 Malema Sentencing Experts Warn Outcome Could Shape Effs Political Future

BBC News

Julius Malema: South African opposition figure sentenced to five years

Independent

South African opposition leader jailed for firing rifle into air at rally

Business Day

NEWS ANALYSIS | Julius Malema keeps seat in parliament for now despite prison sentence

Breitbart

South African politician Julius Malema jailed for 5 years for firing rifle shots at rally

Guardian

South African politician Julius Malema given five-year jail term for gun offence

Reuters

South African Politician Malema Sentenced Prison Firearm Case 2026 04 16

ENCA

Julius Malema sentenced to 5 years in prison in firearm discharge case

Al Jazeera

South African politician Julius Malema sentenced to prison for firing gun

Daily Maverick

Dangerous and unlawful: Malema sentenced to five years over Mdantsane firearm incident

XINHUA

South African opposition politician Malema sentenced to 5 years in prison

Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters, was sentenced to five years in prison on April 16, 2026, for unlawful possession of a firearm and firing it in the air at the party's fifth anniversary rally in Mdantsane in 2018.

Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters, was sentenced to five years in prison on April 16, 2026, for unlawful possession of a firearm and firing it in the air at the party's fifth anniversary rally in Mdantsane in 2018.

Magistrate Twanet Olivier, presiding at the East London Regional Court in KuGompo City, described the shooting as premeditated, saying it "wasn't … an impulsive act" and that considerable planning had gone into when and where the firearm would be discharged.

Magistrate Twanet Olivier, presiding at the East London Regional Court in KuGompo City, described the shooting as premeditated, saying it "wasn't … an impulsive act" and that considerable planning had gone into when and where the firearm would be discharged.

Malema was convicted on five counts, including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area and reckless endangerment. His co-accused, bodyguard Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted.

Malema was convicted on five counts, including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area and reckless endangerment. His co-accused, bodyguard Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted.

Malema's lawyers immediately applied for leave to appeal the sentence, which was granted. Legal analyst Sandile Swana told the BBC the appeals process was likely to take several years, allowing Malema to continue his political career in the meantime.

Malema's lawyers immediately applied for leave to appeal the sentence, which was granted. Legal analyst Sandile Swana told the BBC the appeals process was likely to take several years, allowing Malema to continue his political career in the meantime.

Under South Africa's constitution, a prison sentence of 12 months or more, if upheld after all appeals, would bar Malema from serving as a lawmaker. The EFF is the country's fourth-largest party, having secured 9.5% of the vote in the 2024 general elections.

Under South Africa's constitution, a prison sentence of 12 months or more, if upheld after all appeals, would bar Malema from serving as a lawmaker. The EFF is the country's fourth-largest party, having secured 9.5% of the vote in the 2024 general elections.

The case was brought by AfriForum, an Afrikaner lobby group that has a contentious relationship with Malema and the EFF. Speaking outside the court after his release, Malema accused the magistrate of racism and alleged the proceedings were part of a conspiracy.

The case was brought by AfriForum, an Afrikaner lobby group that has a contentious relationship with Malema and the EFF. Speaking outside the court after his release, Malema accused the magistrate of racism and alleged the proceedings were part of a conspiracy.

EFF's Malema Gets 5-Year Sentence, Plans Appeal

SouthEFF's AfricanMalema oppositionGets politician5-Year getsSentence, jailPlans term for gun offenceAppeal

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

EFF's Malema Gets 5-Year Sentence, Plans Appeal

SouthEFF's AfricanMalema oppositionGets politician5-Year getsSentence, jailPlans term for gun offenceAppeal

Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters