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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.

South African Politician Malema Gets 5-Year Prison Sentence

EFF'sSouth African Politician Malema Gets 5-Year Prison Sentence, Plans Appeal

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South African Politician Malema Gets 5-Year Prison Sentence

EFF'sSouth African Politician Malema Gets 5-Year Prison Sentence, Plans Appeal

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