US EditionSouth African opposition figure Malema sentenced to five years in prison
The magistrate kept Malema on bail while he challenges the sentence, but rejected his bid to appeal the conviction.
- On Thursday, East London Regional Court Magistrate Twanet Olivier sentenced Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema to five years in prison for unlawful firearm possession and discharging a weapon at a 2018 rally.
- Magistrate Olivier rejected defense claims the rifle was a toy, ruling the 2018 incident at Mdantsane stadium was not an "impulsive act" but a premeditated violation of the Firearms Control Act.
- Under South African law, a sentence exceeding 12 months disqualifies a lawmaker from parliament once appeals are exhausted, potentially removing the 45-year-old EFF leader if the conviction stands.
- Malema remains free on bail pending an appeal, as his legal team immediately challenged the sentence in the Eastern Cape High Court while supporters gathered in several cities to protest.
- Independent political analyst Ralph Mathekga warned the party lacks a succession plan, suggesting that if upheld, the sentence could reshape EFF prospects in upcoming municipal elections.
155 Articles
155 Articles
South Africa Opposition Leader Sentenced to 5 Years
South African opposition party leader Julius Malema was sentenced to five years in prison Thursday after he was convicted of breaking firearm laws by firing a rifle at a political rally in 2018. He was released pending an appeal, which will be heard at a later date. If the verdict...
South African opposition leader Malema gets jail sentence
In tonight's edition, South Africa’s firebrand, leftist leader Julius Malema is sentenced to five years in prison convicted of firearm offences. Also, on a visit to Cameroon, Pope Leo condemns so-called "tyrants" driving global wars and the exploitation of Africa’s resources. And we’ll have a look at a new online database shaking up the restitution debate.
South African Opposition Leader Sentenced To Five Years For Firing Gun At Rally
What happens when one of South Africa’s most polarising political figures suddenly faces jail time? The spotlight turns — fast.Julius Malema, the fiery leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, has been sentenced to five years in prison. The charges?Illegal possession of a firearm and firing it in public. Stemming from a now-viral 2018 video where he shot a rifle into the air during a party celebration.But here’s the twist: he’s not behind bars. …
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