South African Opposition Leader Julius Malema Convicted for firing Gun at Political Rally

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been convicted of multiple firearm offences relating to a 2018 incident where he was filmed firing a rifle during his party’s fifth anniversary rally in the Eastern Cape. Malema, head of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was found guilty on five counts including unlawful possession of the firearm and ammunition, reckless endangerment, and discharging a firearm in a public place. The incident involved Malema firing between 14 and 15 live rounds into the air before approximately 20,000 supporters.

Malema’s former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, accused of supplying the rifle, was acquitted of all charges. Malema’s defense that the firearm was a toy was rejected by Magistrate Twanet Olivier, who delivered the verdict after three days of court deliberations. The magistrate ruled the statement “You are found guilty as charged.” Malema has announced plans to appeal the verdict up to the Constitutional Court, asserting the verdict was racially biased given Snyman’s acquittal.

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The case was brought forward by Afriforum, an Afrikaner lobby group, following viral circulation of the video showing the gun discharge at the political rally. The most serious charge Malema faces carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years, though no minimum sentence is mandatory. His sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2026.

Malema is a divisive figure in South African politics, known for his vocal stance on land expropriation without compensation and the nationalization of mines and banks. His party won 9% of the electoral vote in the most recent general election, making it the country’s fourth-largest political faction.