The leader of South Africa’s radical left-wing opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, was sentenced on Thursday, April 16, to five years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm. Known as a controversial figure in opposition politics, he is widely recognized for his strong speeches and his advocacy for land redistribution and the nationalization of resources. He appeared before a magistrate’s court in KuGompo over a case linked to events that took place eight years ago.
The case relates to an incident in 2018 during a celebration marking the fifth anniversary of the EFF. During the event, Malema was accused of firing a gun into the air using a military-style weapon, allegedly under the pretext of celebration.
Although the prosecution had sought a 15-year prison sentence, Judge Twanet Olivier rejected that request but still imposed a significant penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm. “After careful consideration—and I want to assure you I have given this matter my full attention—I sentence you, on the first charge, to five years in prison,” the judge said while addressing the EFF leader.
Malema condemned the ruling, describing it as racially motivated. He also received an additional two-year sentence for illegal possession of military equipment, which will be served concurrently with the main sentence, along with other penalties that may be converted into fines. He was granted permission to appeal part of the ruling, though not the conviction related to firearm offences.
Despite the sentence, he remains free for now and is still allowed to keep his seat in Parliament. After leaving court, Malema addressed his supporters, accusing the presiding judge of political bias: “This had nothing to do with law. It was pure racism. Judge Olivier is a well-known racist, and he knows it very well.”
The prosecution, on the other hand, welcomed the decision, saying it would help deter illegal firearm possession. Economic Freedom Fighters
