Julius Malema Sentenced to Five Years for Discharging Firearm at Rally

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been handed a five-year prison term after a court found him guilty of illegally possessing a firearm and firing shots in a public space. Malema’s team plans to appeal the ruling, arguing the sentence could bar the 45-year-old from his seat in parliament. Last year he was convicted of five offences, including reckless endangerment during his party’s anniversary event in the Eastern Cape. The case began after a video showed Malema using a semi-automatic rifle to fire into the air. He claimed the weapon was not his and that he merely sought to energise his supporters. A civil lobby group first opened the case when the footage went viral.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.