South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been found guilty of discharging a firearm in public, stemming from a 2018 incident in which he fired multiple rounds during the Economic Freedom Fighters’ fifth-anniversary rally in the Eastern Cape.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier delivered the verdict after three days of proceedings, convicting Malema on five counts, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public place, and reckless endangerment. The unlawful-possession charge alone carries a maximum 15-year sentence. His former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted. Pre-sentencing has been set for January 2026.
Prosecutors said Malema fired 14–15 live rounds from the stage before an audience of about 20,000 supporters. He told the court the weapon was not his and that he fired to energize the crowd.
Outside the East London regional court, Malema told supporters that imprisonment or death would be a “badge of honour,” vowing to challenge the ruling up to the Constitutional Court.
The case followed a complaint by AfriForum after video of the incident went viral. The group has also pursued hate-speech actions against Malema; in August, an equality court found that some of his remarks incited harm, a decision the EFF says was taken out of context.
Reactions were swift. Ian Cameron of the Democratic Alliance welcomed the conviction, calling it proof of a “culture of chaos, violence and criminality” around the EFF. Legal analyst Ulrich Roux said there is a “good chance” Malema could receive a custodial sentence, adding he must now present reasons to avoid the 15-year minimum.
Under South African law, MPs sentenced to more than 12 months in prison without the option of a fine are disqualified from serving, though such disqualification only takes effect once all appeals are exhausted. Malema has signaled he will contest the judgment.