South African politician Julius Malema sentenced to 5 years for firing rifle shots at rally

JOHANNESBURG – South African opposition party leader Julius Malema was sentenced to five years in prison Thursday after he was convicted of breaking firearm laws by firing a rifle at a political rally in 2018.

He was released pending an appeal, which will be heard at a later date.

Malema was convicted in October on five counts, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharge of a firearm in a built-up area and reckless endangerment.

Malema addressed hundreds of his party supporters, popularly known as “fighters,” many of whom traveled from various provinces to attend the sentencing.

During his trial and sentencing, Malema said that the charges against him were politically motivated as they were brought by Afriforum, a lobby group for the white Afrikaner minority group that has been at odds with Malema for years.

Olivier said the sentence and verdict was based solely on his actions on the day.

If the verdict and sentence are upheld, Malema will be disqualified as a lawmaker.