Julius Malema Convicted for Firing Rifle at 2018 EFF Rally

South Africa’s firebrand opposition leader faces up to 15 years in prison after firearm law breach

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been convicted of contravening the Firearms Control Act after a 2018 incident in which he was filmed firing a rifle at a political rally. The East London Magistrates Court ruled on Wednesday that Malema had unlawfully discharged the weapon during his party’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, who has built his political career on fiery rhetoric and defiance of authority, now faces a possible prison term of up to 15 years. His sentencing has been scheduled for 23 January next year.

The 2018 Rally Incident

The charges stem from the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in 2018. A viral video captured Malema discharging what appeared to be a high-powered rifle in front of cheering supporters. The footage, widely circulated on social media, prompted outrage and calls for legal action.

An Afrikaner lobby group, AfriForum, lodged a criminal complaint, accusing Malema of setting a dangerous precedent and undermining South Africa’s firearm laws.

Bodyguard Acquitted

Malema’s longtime security aide, Adriaan Snyman, was also charged, accused of providing the firearm used at the rally. However, the court acquitted Snyman, finding insufficient evidence to prove he had supplied the weapon.

Malema reacted angrily to the split ruling, accusing Magistrate Twanet Olivier of racial bias. “Because Snyman is white, he walks free. Because I am black, I am convicted,” he told supporters outside the courthouse.

Defence Argument Rejected

Throughout the trial, Malema maintained that the gun he fired was a “toy” or replica. However, forensic evidence and expert testimony contradicted that claim. Magistrate Olivier dismissed his defence, ruling that the firearm in question was real and that Malema had knowingly violated the law.

Appeal Plans Announced

Addressing hundreds of EFF supporters who had gathered outside court, Malema vowed to challenge the conviction. “We will appeal this verdict all the way to the Constitutional Court,” he declared.

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The announcement drew loud cheers from his red-clad supporters, many of whom chanted slogans and waved party flags. Malema framed the case as part of a broader campaign of political persecution against him and the EFF.

Potential Sentence

Although the Firearms Control Act allows for penalties of up to 15 years in prison, the law does not stipulate a mandatory minimum sentence. Legal experts say the magistrate may impose a more lenient sentence, potentially involving a fine or suspended jail term, especially given that no injuries resulted from the 2018 incident.

Still, the conviction is a serious setback for Malema, who has positioned himself as a champion of radical economic transformation and land reform.

Political Implications

Malema remains one of South Africa’s most divisive political figures. Since founding the EFF in 2013 after being expelled from the ruling African National Congress, he has built the movement into the country’s fourth-largest party. In last year’s general election, the EFF secured around 9% of the national vote, cementing its role as a disruptive force in parliament.

The party advocates for policies such as the expropriation of white-owned land without compensation and the nationalisation of mines and banks. These positions have won support from disaffected youth and working-class communities but drawn criticism from business leaders and political rivals.

Malema on the Global Stage

Malema’s profile has extended beyond South Africa’s borders. Earlier this year, his image appeared in a video shown by former U.S. President Donald Trump during a contentious meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Trump has falsely claimed there is an ongoing “white genocide” in South Africa, citing Malema as evidence of racial tensions in the country.

While Malema dismissed Trump’s narrative, the episode highlighted his polarising reputation both at home and abroad.

Looking Ahead

With sentencing set for January, Malema faces months of legal and political uncertainty. His case is likely to fuel further tensions in South African politics, particularly as the EFF prepares for upcoming municipal elections.

Whether he receives a custodial sentence or a lighter punishment, the conviction underscores the risks Malema continues to face as he pushes his radical political agenda against the backdrop of South Africa’s fragile democracy.

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