By Sabiu Abdullahi
A South African court has handed a five-year prison sentence to Julius Malema over the unlawful discharge of a rifle at a political rally.
Malema, who heads the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), received the judgment on Thursday. Magistrate Twanet Olivier delivered the sentence after the court convicted him in connection with a 2018 incident.
The case followed an earlier ruling that found the outspoken opposition figure guilty on several counts. These offences include unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place, according to reports by Al Jazeera.
The trial attracted strong political reactions across the country. Large numbers of EFF supporters gathered outside the court परिसर to express support for their leader. Many of them appeared in the party’s trademark red berets. The turnout highlighted divisions linked to the case.
Malema, 45, remains a central figure in South Africa’s political scene. He leads the fourth-largest party in parliament. His movement draws backing from many young citizens who remain concerned about economic hardship and inequality years after apartheid ended in 1994.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 15 years for such offences. Any prison term that exceeds 12 months, if upheld after the appeal process, could prevent Malema from retaining a seat in parliament.
