By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D
A prominent opposition figure and a serving legislator at the National Assembly of South Africa, Julius Malema, has been sent to five years in prison by Magistrate Twanet Olivier in a KuGompo City Regional Court, in South Africa. Malema, charged for a gunshot he fired during a 2018 political rally, was found guilty and sentenced to jail. Delivering her judgment, the Magistrate insisted that the magnitude of his offense had been duly considered. However, he was released on appeal; the date of the hearing will be announced later.
Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, was convicted of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, careless use of the firearm in a residential area, and thereby endangering the lives of citizens. Malema’s bodyguard, Anton Snyman, who was also charged, was acquitted.
In South Africa, a conviction exceeding 12 months without the option of a fine disqualifies a citizen from holding a public office. Therefore, if the conviction is upheld on appeal, Malema might cease to serve as a lawmaker in South Africa.
Popularly known for his bold and sometimes upsetting comments, Julius Malema is the leader of the fourth-largest political party in South Africa. Although he insists that his conviction was politically instigated because it was championed by Afriforum, which is affiliated with a White Afrikaner group. Malema and the group have a long history of disagreements.
During the sentencing at the KuGompo Regional Court, many EFF supporters came to show solidarity with their leader, wearing their symbolic red attire and chanting various songs. Malema later addressed them.
