Julius Malema Convicted for Gun Offences: Implications for South African Politics

Fri Oct 03 2025 03:08:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The controversial leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters faces significant legal repercussions following a conviction for firing a weapon in public, stirring discussions on race, governance, and law enforcement in South Africa.

Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa's opposition party EFF, has been convicted of illegal possession and discharge of a firearm in public, with a minimum sentence of 15 years looming. The conviction has intensified debates around racial tensions, political authority, and violence in South Africa, prompting varied reactions from political allies and adversaries alike. Malema remains defiant, claiming his actions were intended to energize his supporters, while also indicating plans to appeal the verdict. The case underscores the broader implications of his rhetoric and influence in South African politics.

South African opposition politician Julius Malema has been found guilty of illegal possession of a gun and firing it in public, offences which carry a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.

In 2018, a video emerged showing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader using a semi-automatic rifle to fire several shots in the air during his party's fifth anniversary celebrations held in the country's Eastern Cape province. He was charged alongside his former bodyguard Adriaan Snyman, who was acquitted.

Malema was convicted of hate speech less than two months ago and often lashes out at the white minority in a country where, 31 years after apartheid ended, racial tensions still run high. He has called for the seizure of white-owned land and argues that more should be done to transfer wealth to the black majority.

Malema was convicted on five offences, including the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging it in a public space and reckless endangerment. These offences fall under the Firearms Control Act and carry a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.

He was accused of firing between 14 and 15 live rounds on a stage in front of 20,000 EFF supporters, according to South African news site SowetanLIVE. In his defence, Malema told the court the firearm was not his and that he had fired the shots to rouse the crowd, the publication added.

It took three days for magistrate Twanet Olivier to tell Malema you are found guilty as charged. The case was postponed to January 2026 for pre-sentencing.

Malema seemed unfazed by his conviction, telling supporters that going to prison or death is a badge of honour. We cannot be scared of prison [or] to die for the revolution. Whatever they want to do, they must know we will never retreat, he said outside the East London regional court. He vowed to challenge the judgment, even up to South Africa's highest court, the Constitutional Court.

Malema's prosecution came after Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum, which has a contentious relationship with Malema and the EFF, opened a case against him after the video went viral. This resulted in his conviction by the country's equality court in August this year.

Incidents of racially charged rhetoric from Malema have made headlines internationally, including comments presented by former US President Donald Trump during discussions about South Africa's political climate.

The case brings to light critical discussions surrounding political rhetoric, public safety, and the complexity of South Africa's post-apartheid society, where Malema continues to play a polarizing role.