The East London Magistrate’s Court in South Africa has found Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema guilty of contravening South Africa’s firearm laws after discharging a weapon at a political rally in 2018.
The case stems from widely circulated video footage showing Malema firing what appeared to be a rifle into the air during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebration in the Eastern Cape. The court ruled that his actions breached the Firearms Control Act.
Malema’s co-accused, former bodyguard Adriaan Snyman accused of handing him the weapon was acquitted of all charges.
Throughout the trial, Malema maintained that the firearm was a toy and not capable of discharging live rounds. However, the court dismissed this claim, citing insufficient evidence to support his version.
Following the verdict, the EFF leader accused the judiciary of bias, describing the ruling as racially motivated and unfair, particularly in light of Snyman’s acquittal.
Malema now faces the possibility of up to 15 years in prison, although no minimum sentence is prescribed by law. His sentencing has been scheduled for January 23, 2026. His legal team has confirmed plans to appeal the judgment, potentially taking the matter to the Constitutional Court.
