In brief
Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters, has been sentenced to five years in prison following a conviction for illegal possession of a firearm and firing it in public during his party's anniversary celebration. His legal team plans to appeal the decision, which disqualifies him from parliamentary duties pending the outcome of the appeals process.
Julius Malema, a prominent opposition figure in South Africa and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been sentenced to at least five years in prison. The sentence stems from a conviction for illegal possession of a firearm and discharging it in public. Malema's defense lawyer has announced plans to appeal the ruling, which involves five separate charges dating back to 2018. At that time, a video emerged showing Malema using a semi-automatic rifle to fire several rounds into the air during a celebration for the EFF's fifth anniversary in the Eastern Cape province. While the sentence disqualifies him from serving as a Member of Parliament, this ruling will not be enforced until all avenues for appeal have been explored. Notably, Malema appeared emotionless in court during the sentencing hearing.
