South Africa Opposition Leader Malema Gets Five-Year Jail Term On Gun Charges

The magistrate said Malema had deliberately violated firearm laws by shooting a gun in the air at an EFF celebration in 2018.

By Channels Television

Updated April 16, 2026

(FILES) Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema gestures during their Tshela Thupa rally at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on May 25, 2024 ahead of the country’s upcoming national and provincial elections on May 29, 2024. (Photo by Emmanuel CROSET / AFP)

A South African court sentenced radical left-wing opposition leader Julius Malema to five years in jail on Thursday for firing an assault rifle at a rally eight years ago.

Hundreds of red-clad supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader gathered outside the court for the sentencing in the politically charged case.

Magistrate Twanet Olivier said Malema had deliberately violated firearm laws by shooting a gun in the air at an EFF celebration in 2018.

Details later…