South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been convicted on multiple firearm-related charges after a video showed him firing live rounds during a party rally in 2018.
The East London regional court found the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader guilty on five counts.
These include unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, reckless endangerment, and discharging a firearm in a public space. The most serious charge carries up to 15 years in prison.
Conviction follows viral video
The case dates back to the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebration, where Malema was filmed firing between 14 and 15 rounds into the air before 20,000 cheering supporters in the Eastern Cape.
His former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was charged alongside him, was acquitted.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier ruled after three days of deliberations: “You are found guilty as charged.”
The case has been adjourned until January 2026 for pre-sentencing hearings.
Malema appeared unfazed after the verdict. Addressing supporters outside court, he declared, “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 promised to challenge the conviction and said he was ready to take the matter to South Africa’s Constitutional Court if necessary.
Political and legal fallout
Legal experts say Malema could face serious consequences. Analyst Ulrich Roux told the BBC the EFF leader must now prove why he should not receive the minimum 15-year sentence.
Under South African law, any sentence longer than 12 months without the option of a fine disqualifies an individual from serving as a member of parliament.
However, this only applies once all appeals are exhausted.
Opposition politicians welcomed the ruling. Democratic Alliance’s Ian Cameron said Malema’s actions reflected the EFF’s “culture of chaos, violence and criminality.”
He added that firing live rounds at a political rally showed “the thuggery the EFF is prepared to unleash on South Africa.”
A history of controversy
This is not Malema’s first clash with the law. Just two months ago, a South African court convicted him of hate speech after ruling that his comments at a rally encouraged violence.
The case was initiated by Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum, which also filed the complaint that triggered the firearm trial.
Malema’s fiery rhetoric has drawn criticism beyond South Africa. In 2025, he was barred from entering the UK over his remarks on white land ownership and support for Hamas.
The British Home Office said his views were “non-conducive to the public good.”
With sentencing scheduled for January 2026, Malema’s political future hangs in the balance. If the court hands down a prison term, his eligibility to remain in parliament could be in jeopardy.
For now, Malema insists he will continue leading his party and fighting what he calls political persecution.
His supporters argue the conviction is part of a broader campaign to silence the EFF’s radical message.
South Africa now waits to see whether Malema will face prison or emerge even stronger from his latest legal battle.