Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has been handed an effective five-year prison sentence after being convicted of discharging a firearm during a party rally in 2018.
The sentence was delivered on Thursday morning in the East London Magistrate’s Court by Magistrate Twanet Olivier, who also ruled that Malema is unfit to possess a firearm.
“You are sentenced to a period of five years imprisonment,” Olivier said. “In respect of count two, you are sentenced to a period of two years imprisonment. In respect of counts three, four and five, you are sentenced to R20,000 or six months imprisonment on each count.”
The court ordered that the sentences on counts two to five run concurrently with the five-year term imposed on the main charge.
Olivier said the evidence showed that the decision to discharge the firearm was deliberate and made within the leadership structure of the EFF.
“The accused knew it was unlawful. He knew it may cause harm to persons or property, yet he proceeded to possess the rifle and fire the shot,” she said.
She added that such conduct could not be condoned by the court.
Malema’s co-accused, Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted of all charges.
The ruling may also have implications for Malema’s position in Parliament.
Following the judgment, Malema reiterated that the EFF remained united and said the party would challenge the ruling.
“The outcome does not matter; we are going to appeal this case until the highest court in the land,” he said. “Only then will I accept I was wrong if the Constitutional Court says so.”