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

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — 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.

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

It’s just the first time that we hear, it’s being called celebratory shots,

Magistrate Twanet Olivier said.

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

Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters party, 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.