A South African court has sentenced opposition politician, Julius Malema, to five years in prison after finding him guilty of firearms-related offences.
According to reports, Malema was convicted of illegal possession of firearms and discharging a firearm in a public space, following an earlier conviction last year on multiple counts, including reckless endangerment.
The incident leading to the charges dates back to 2018, when a video surfaced showing the politician firing a semi-automatic rifle into the air during his party’s fifth anniversary celebration in the Eastern Cape province.
Malema is the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, a major opposition party in South Africa known for its advocacy for economic transformation and the rights of black Africans. He is also a former member of the ruling African National Congress.
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Despite the ruling, Malema may avoid immediate imprisonment, as his legal team has indicated plans to appeal the court’s decision.
The development marks a significant moment in South Africa’s political landscape, given Malema’s influence and outspoken criticism of the government.