By Michelle Ndaga
The East London Magistrate’s Court has convicted Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema on multiple counts related to the unlawful discharge of a firearm during the party’s fifth anniversary rally in 2018.
The case stems from an incident on July 29, 2018, at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, where Malema fired what was later confirmed to be a real rifle loaded with live ammunition into the air before thousands of supporters.
The act drew widespread concern over public safety and was prosecuted under South Africa’s Firearms Control Act.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Twanet Olivier dismissed Malema’s defense that the weapon was a replica, ruling that the evidence demonstrated he had recklessly handled a live firearm in a crowded public gathering.
However, Olivier acquitted co-accused Adriaan Snyman, who had faced related charges in connection with the weapon.
Malema now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years, though his legal team has indicated plans to appeal the conviction. Sentencing will be determined in a later hearing.
The ruling marks a significant legal setback for the outspoken opposition leader, whose political career has often been punctuated by controversy.
While the EFF has yet to release an official statement, the conviction is expected to ignite fierce debate among supporters and critics alike ahead of the sentencing.
