South African Firebrand Politician Julius Malema Jailed for Gun-Law Violation

CAPE TOWN - South African opposition politician Julius Malema was sentenced on Thursday to five years in prison for firing a rifle into the air at a political rally in 2018.

The case stems from an incident at an Economic Freedom Fighters celebration that year.

What was the case against Malema?

Malema was convicted in October of unlawfully possessing a firearm and firing a weapon in a public place. Prosecutors said he discharged a rifle into the air during the rally.

In delivering the sentence on Tuesday, Magistrate Twanet Olivier said Malema had deliberately violated firearm laws by shooting the gun at the EFF event.

Malema, 45, leads the Economic Freedom Fighters, the fourth-largest party in parliament. He pleaded not guilty, insisting the gun involved was a toy.

The politically charged case drew a show of support outside the court, where hundreds of red-clad EFF supporters gathered for the sentencing.

DW's Dianne Hawker-Kalubi says the sentence means he can no longer serve as a member of parliament. His team has said he will immediately appeal.

This is a developing story, more to follow...

Source: DW