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Julius Malema sentenced to five years over firearm incident
Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, has been handed a five-year prison sentence following a long-running case linked to a firearm discharge at a public event.
The judgment was delivered by Twanet Olivier at the East London Regional Court on Thursday, 16 April 2026, bringing to a close proceedings that have stretched over several years.
Malema was found guilty on multiple counts, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public space, and reckless endangerment.
The charges relate to a widely circulated 2018 video recorded during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium, where he was seen firing what appeared to be a rifle in front of a large crowd.
In handing down the sentence, Olivier outlined separate penalties for each charge but ordered that most of them run concurrently, effectively resulting in a five-year term.
Malema was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
His legal team has already indicated plans to challenge both the conviction and sentence in a higher court, meaning the case is likely far from over.
Explaining her decision, Olivier dismissed claims that the shooting was a harmless celebratory act, arguing instead that it was deliberate and carefully arranged.
“It is a grave concern to this court that an event was planned and that what appears to be the unique feature of the event ended up in the commission of an offence,” she said.
She further stressed that the incident could not be viewed as impulsive, pointing to what she described as clear preparation involving the possession and use of a semi-automatic rifle in a populated area.
“How can a court consider that the actions of the accused did not entail the intention to commit the offence?” she asked, adding that any attempt to frame the act differently would be “nonsensical.”
Olivier also reflected on the broader impact of the drawn-out trial, noting the significant strain it placed on public resources and the justice system.
“That’s not at the feet of the accused solely… I’m saying a trial of this magnitude involves tremendous manpower,” she said.
She highlighted that the case’s duration had unintended consequences for ordinary citizens, with some unable to access essential court services during the proceedings.
“Mothers could not reach the court for maintenance. Grandmothers could not apply for guardianship… that is tragic,” she added.
With an appeal now in motion, the final outcome of Malema’s legal battle remains uncertain.
😭😭did Julius fire the Guy who took the Video? pic.twitter.com/ZRcdCg56Gi
— knick (@Knick_RSA) April 15, 2026
