South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison for firing a rifle during a political rally in 2018, in a case that could affect his political future.
A court found Malema guilty of illegally possessing a firearm and discharging it in public during a 2018 event.
The judge said his actions posed a serious risk.
“It is clear that if crimes are allowed to go unchecked and unpunished, it poses a serious threat to our democratic state,” the magistrate said while delivering the sentence.
Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is one of South Africa’s most prominent opposition figures.
Prosecutors had asked for a much longer sentence, arguing that leaders must be held accountable.
“The accused is a political leader with a huge following,” a prosecutor said, warning that his actions could influence others negatively.
However, Malema’s lawyers argued that the shots were meant to be celebratory and did not harm anyone.
The court rejected that argument, saying the act was deliberate.
“It wasn’t an impulsive act. It was the event of the evening,” the magistrate said.
Malema has already filed an appeal against both his conviction and sentence.
If the ruling is upheld, he could lose his seat in parliament, as South African law bars lawmakers sentenced to more than 12 months in prison.
The case has drawn strong reactions from supporters and critics, with some calling it justice and others describing it as politically motivated.
It is believed that this outcome could have a major impact on the future of the EFF and South Africa’s opposition politics.
