Julius Malema,a fiery leader of South Africa opposition and freedom fighter has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of firing a rifle into the air at a political rally.
A magistrate’s court delivered the ruling on Thursday, sentencing the 45 years old politician over a 2018 incident at a stadium in Eastern Cape province, where he discharged a weapon in a public place.
Malema, a prominent figure in South African politics, was convicted last year on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and reckless discharge of a weapon. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His legal team swiftly applied for leave to appeal the sentence shortly after it was delivered in a court in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London.
If upheld after the appeals process, the sentence could disqualify Malema from holding public office, dealing a significant blow to his Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party.
The EFF, currently the fourth-largest party in parliament, has built a strong following among young South Africans, particularly those frustrated by persistent inequality since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Authorities say the case marks a significant moment in enforcing firearm laws, as the country continues to grapple with public safety concerns.
