Malema gets five years for firearm violation

A South African court sentenced opposition leader Julius Malema to five years in prison on Thursday for firing a rifle at a 2018 political rally.

Magistrate Twanet Olivier found Malema guilty in October on five charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment. He remains free while appealing the conviction.

If the appeal fails, Malema would lose his seat in Parliament. South African law disqualifies lawmakers sentenced to more than 12 months in prison without a fine option.

Malema addressed supporters outside the court, calling the magistrate biased and emotional. “We are done with her; we are going to a higher court,” he said.

Magistrate Olivier said she considered the severity of gun violence in communities. “We hear daily of children caught in crossfire,” she said. “It’s just the first time it’s called celebratory shots.”

Malema’s bodyguard, Anton Snyman, was found not guilty of related charges.

The Economic Freedom Fighters leader has accused AfriForum, a lobby group representing white Afrikaners, of bringing politically motivated charges. Olivier said her ruling was based solely on Malema’s actions.

Malema’s party is the fourth-largest in South Africa. His policies include land expropriation without compensation and the nationalisation of mines and banks.

SOURCE: AFP