A South African court on Wednesday found opposition leader Julius Malema guilty of violating gun laws after firing an assault rifle at a 2018 rally.
Malema, 44, the outspoken head of the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is known for incendiary speeches that often stir political tensions both within South Africa and internationally.
He and his former bodyguard were charged with discharging the weapon into the air during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebration in Eastern Cape province. The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that the court found Malema guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, reckless endangerment, and other related offenses.
He faces a potential prison term of up to 15 years, with pre-sentencing proceedings scheduled for January 23 next year. Malema, who was present for the verdict, said he plans to appeal.
Addressing supporters outside the courthouse, he remained defiant: “As a revolutionary, going to prison or death is a badge of honour. We cannot be scared of prison or dying for the revolution.”
The conviction comes months after Malema was found guilty of hate speech in August for telling supporters at a 2022 rally that they should “never be scared to kill.”
Malema has long faced criticism from South Africa’s white minority for his radical rhetoric and for performing the anti-apartheid song “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer,” which critics claim incites anti-white violence.
