South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been found guilty of illegal firearm possession and firing a gun in public.
The offences stem from a 2018 incident when Malema fired several live rounds from a semi-automatic rifle during the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) fifth anniversary rally in the Eastern Cape.
He was charged alongside his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was acquitted.
The court found Malema guilty of five offences, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, reckless endangerment, and discharging a weapon in a public space.
These charges fall under the Firearms Control Act and carry a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier took three days to deliver the ruling, telling Malema: “You are found guilty as charged.”
Sentencing has been postponed until January 2026.
Malema denied owning the firearm and argued that he fired the shots only to excite the crowd.
He appeared unfazed by the conviction, telling supporters that “going to prison or death is a badge of honour.”
He added that the EFF would never retreat, even in the face of prison or death.
Malema said he would appeal the judgment, even up to the Constitutional Court.
The case was brought forward after Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum opened a complaint following the viral video of the incident.
AfriForum also pursued Malema in a separate hate speech case, which led to his conviction by the Equality Court in August.
That ruling followed Malema’s comments encouraging supporters not to fear killing during revolutionary struggle.
The Equality Court said his remarks showed “an intent to incite harm,” though the EFF argued the words were taken out of context.
Malema’s rhetoric has drawn global attention.
In 2018, former U.S. President Donald Trump used clips of Malema’s speeches as part of his claims that white South Africans were victims of violence, a claim widely discredited.
In 2019, Malema was denied entry to the UK over his ties to Hamas and controversial remarks about white South Africans.
Reactions to his conviction have been divided.
Ian Cameron, an MP with the opposition Democratic Alliance, said Malema’s actions reflected a “culture of chaos, violence and criminality” promoted by the EFF.
Legal expert Ulrich Roux told the BBC there is a strong chance Malema could serve a prison sentence.
Roux said Malema must present evidence to persuade the court not to impose the minimum 15-year sentence.
If the sentence stands, Malema could lose his seat in parliament.
Under South Africa’s constitution, MPs sentenced to more than 12 months in prison without the option of a fine cannot remain in office, though only once appeals are fully exhausted….@BBC News