In brief
Julius Malema, a prominent opposition figure in South Africa and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been sentenced to five years for illegal possession of a firearm and firing it in public. Despite the ruling, the magistrate has allowed him to appeal, meaning he remains free as the legal process continues. Malema’s conviction stems from an incident in 2018, where he was recorded firing a gun during a party event. The case has stirred significant public and political discourse, highlighting his controversial status within South African politics.
Leading South African opposition politician Julius Malema, 45, has been sentenced to five years after being found guilty of the illegal possession of a gun and firing it in public.
But Magistrate Twanet Olivier allowed the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters and MP to appeal against the sentencing, meaning that he was not immediately taken to prison.
Earlier, standing in court in a dark suit and red tie, Malema showed little emotion as Olivier read out the sentence even though his political future was at stake.
Last year, he was convicted of five offences, including the unlawful possession of a firearm, discharging it in public and reckless endangerment.
If his sentence is upheld, Malema would be disqualified from being an MP for five years. However, political analyst Sandile Swana told the BBC that the appeals process was likely to take several years so the EFF leader would be able to pursue his political career in the meantime.
The charges related to an incident in 2018 when a video emerged showing Malema firing a semi-automatic rifle in the air during his party's fifth anniversary celebrations held in the country's Eastern Cape province.
During the trial in KuGompo City, Malema told the court that he had fired the shots in celebration.
But during her sentencing ruling Olivier said it wasn't... an impulsive act. It was the event of the evening, the AFP news agency reports.
Addressing some of those followers outside court, he made a series of unsubstantiated allegations against Olivier and said, without offering direct evidence, that the conviction and sentencing were a result of a conspiracy.
Malema has a long reputation as being an outspoken, charismatic and radical left-wing politician and has a loyal band of supporters.
Hundreds had come to back Malema with chants and revolutionary songs. When news came through that he would be allowed to appeal, they started calling out in the Xhosa language sigoduka naye, which translates as we are leaving with him today.
