A court in South Africa has sentenced prominent opposition figure Julius Malema to five years in prison for unlawfully discharging a firearm during a political rally.

Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was convicted over a 2018 incident in which he fired an assault rifle into the air at a party celebration.

The act, captured on video, drew widespread attention and led to charges related to illegal possession and reckless discharge of a firearm.

Delivering the judgment, Magistrate Twanet Olivier held that Malema had deliberately violated firearm regulations, rejecting arguments from the defence that the act was symbolic and posed no threat.

The court ruled that public figures must be held accountable for conduct that could encourage disregard for the law. The sentencing attracted hundreds of Malema’s supporters, many dressed in the EFF’s signature red attire, who gathered outside the courthouse in a show of solidarity.

The atmosphere underscored the political sensitivity of the case and Malema’s strong grassroots following. Prosecutors had sought a stiffer penalty, reportedly pushing for up to 15 years’ imprisonment, arguing that the offence warranted a strong deterrent.

However, the court imposed a five-year sentence, taking into account submissions from the defence that Malema is a first-time offender. The ruling carries significant political implications.

Under South African law, a prison sentence exceeding one year could affect Malema’s eligibility to hold public office if upheld, potentially impacting the leadership of the EFF and the broader opposition landscape.

has denied wrongdoing and is expected to appeal both the conviction and sentence. His legal team has indicated plans to challenge the ruling, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle.

The case, which stems from an incident eight years ago, has remained a subject of public and political debate, highlighting tensions around leadership conduct, firearm laws, and accountability in South Africa’s political sphere.