Malema Jailed for Five Years Over 2018 Rifle Rally Incident

Julius Malema

KuGompo City, South Africa

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was sentenced on Thursday to five years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm and for firing a weapon into the air during a party rally in 2018.

The KuGompo Magistrates' Court (formerly East London) handed down the sentence for the incident that occurred during the EFF's fifth anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.

Malema was convicted last year on multiple firearms-related charges. His legal team has been granted permission to appeal the sentence.

The ruling could prevent him from serving as a member of parliament, as, under South African law, a prison sentence of more than 12 months without the possibility of a fine typically disqualifies a person from holding a seat in Parliament.

Supporters gathered outside the court as the sentence was read.