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

South African opposition leader Julius Malema was sentenced to five years in jail on Thursday for firing a rifle in the air at a rally, a judgement that could bar the prominent campaigner from parliament.

Soon after, the 45-year-old was allowed to appeal against his sentence by a magistrate in KuGompo City and released until the case is heard by the high court.

Delivering the sentence, Magistrate Twanet Olivier said she considered the magnitude of the offense when she determined his sentence.

Malema was convicted in 2025 on five charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place.

The EFF’s base is often described as frustrated by the persistent racial inequality that has endured since the end of white minority rule in 1994.

The EFF currently stands as the fourth-largest party in the South African parliament. Malema had pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.