Malema Convicted For Firing Rifle At 2018 Rally, Faces Up To 15 Years In Prison

South Africa’s opposition leader Julius Malema has been found guilty of violating firearm laws after being filmed firing a rifle at a 2018 rally in the Eastern Cape.

Magistrate Twanet Olivier ruled on Wednesday that the gun was real, rejecting Malema’s defence that it was a toy. His bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, accused of handing him the weapon, was acquitted.

Malema denounced the ruling as racist, vowing to appeal up to the Constitutional Court. Sentencing is set for January 23, 2026. He could face up to 15 years in prison, though the magistrate has discretion to impose a lighter penalty.

The Economic Freedom Fighters leader, whose party secured 9% of votes in last year’s elections, remains one of South Africa’s most divisive politicians.