South African politician Julius Malema sentenced to five years for gun offence

South African opposition politician Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison following his conviction on gun charges.

The ruling was delivered on April 16, 2026, by Magistrate Twanet Olivier in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London.

Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was convicted last year for unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place.

The charges stem from an incident in 2018 when he fired a rifle in the air during the EFF's fifth anniversary celebrations.

The court imposed a five-year sentence for unlawful possession of a firearm and a concurrent two-year sentence for unlawful possession of ammunition.

Additionally, Malema was fined for three other offences, including discharging a firearm in a built-up area, with the possibility of prison time if the fines are not paid.

Malema's legal team promptly applied for leave to appeal the sentence, which was granted by the magistrate.

Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence, citing Malema's significant influence as a political leader and lawmaker.

The sentencing raises questions about Malema's political future amid ongoing tensions, including previous criticism from international figures such as former US President Donald Trump.

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