South African opposition chief Julius Malema convicted on firearm charges.

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been found guilty of violating firearm laws stemming from a 2018 incident in which he was filmed firing a rifle at a political rally. The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was charged under the Firearms Control Act. His bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who allegedly provided the rifle, was acquitted. Malema condemned the verdict as racially biased, highlighting that Snyman is white. The charges were filed by the Afrikaner group Afriforum.

The incident occurred during a rally in the Eastern Cape, where a video of Malema using the firearm gained significant attention. In his defense, he claimed the gun was a toy, but this argument was dismissed by Magistrate Twanet Olivier. Malema plans to appeal the decision, potentially taking it to the Constitutional Court. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, but there is no mandatory minimum. Sentencing is set for January 23, 2026.

Malema is a controversial figure in South African politics, having founded the EFF, the country’s fourth-largest political party, which received 9% of the vote in the most recent general elections. He is known for advocating policies like the expropriation of land without compensation. His activities have garnered international attention, notably being referenced by former U.S. President Donald Trump in discussions regarding race relations in South Africa. Malema’s polarizing presence in the political landscape continues to spark debate about issues of race, land rights, and governance in the nation.