Post by : Rameen Ariff

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been found guilty of firing a firearm in public seven years ago, a serious offence that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The conviction stems from an incident in 2018 when Malema reportedly fired multiple rounds into the air during his Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party’s fifth anniversary celebration in the Eastern Cape province. His former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, was also charged but later acquitted.

This conviction follows Malema’s recent hate speech ruling and highlights his controversial political stance. Known for his outspoken calls for the redistribution of land and wealth to South Africa’s black majority, Malema frequently criticizes the white minority, intensifying racial tensions that persist decades after apartheid.

Malema was convicted on five charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm, discharging it in a public area, and reckless endangerment. Reports indicate he fired 14 to 15 live rounds in front of 20,000 supporters. In court, he argued the gun was not his and that he fired to energize the crowd. Magistrate Twanet Olivier ruled him “guilty as charged,” with pre-sentencing scheduled for January 2026.

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Despite the conviction, Malema appeared defiant, telling supporters that facing prison or death is a “badge of honour” and pledging to challenge the judgment up to South Africa’s Constitutional Court.

The legal case originated after Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum filed a complaint, citing the viral 2018 video of the incident. AfriForum also played a role in Malema’s earlier hate speech conviction by reporting remarks in which he allegedly incited violence against white South Africans.

Malema’s controversies have had international repercussions. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump referenced his videos during a White House meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to claim alleged violence against white farmers—a claim widely discredited. Malema was also denied entry to the UK due to his support for Hamas and provocative statements against white South Africans.

Political opponents, including Ian Cameron of the Democratic Alliance, welcomed the conviction, calling it a necessary stand against Malema’s “culture of chaos, violence, and criminality.” Legal experts suggest Malema could face a prison sentence, which could affect his eligibility to serve as a Member of Parliament under South African law. However, the sentence only becomes final after the appeal process is completed.

The Malema case underscores the ongoing challenges South Africa faces in balancing political activism, public safety, and the rule of law, especially when leaders wield influence that can incite violence and civil unrest.

#world news #Global News