South African left-wing Party leader Malema jailed 5-years on gun charges

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema addresses his supporters outside the East London Regional court in East London on April 15, 2026 following his sentencing for firing an assault rifle at a rally eight years ago. The state is seeking the maximum 15-year jail term for Malema, who was found guilty in October 2024 of violating firearm laws by shooting a gun in the air at an EFF celebration near the city in 2018. (Photo by Mark Andrews / 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 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.

More details later…

AFP

Leave a Reply