South African opposition chief Julius Malema convicted on firearm offenses, could face 15 years in prison; sentencing scheduled for January 2026.

Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been convicted on multiple firearm-related charges from a 2018 incident during an EFF rally in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. The East London Magistrate’s Court found him guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public place, and reckless endangerment. His former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted.

The case arose from a July 28, 2018, event where Malema was filmed firing a rifle into the air at the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebration, a video that went viral. Charges were brought by the Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum. Malema’s defense argued the firearm was a toy, a claim dismissed by Magistrate Twanet Olivier, who found the prosecution’s evidence compelling.

Following the verdict, Malema announced plans to appeal, asserting the case was a politically motivated “witch hunt” designed to silence him and the EFF. The party has pledged to take the appeal to the Constitutional Court if necessary. Sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2026, with Malema facing up to 15 years in prison for the unlawful possession charge but with no mandatory minimum sentence.

The conviction has ignited significant debate in South Africa; supporters view it as an assault on political freedom, while detractors argue it reinforces the rule of law. The outcome of the appeal may have substantial ramifications for Malema’s political future and the wider political environment in South Africa.