Julius Malema Sentenced to 5 years imprisonment in firearm case

South African politician who is also leader for Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)  Julius Malema, has been sentenced to five years of direct imprisonment by the East London Regional Court in his long-running firearm handling and discharge case.

Malema appeared in court on Thursday for the final day of his high-profile sentencing proceedings.

The EFF leader was convicted last October on five counts, including violating the Firearms Control Act, after he was caught on video firing live rounds during his party’s 5th birthday celebrations in 2018.

Handing down the sentence in a packed courtroom, Magistrate Twanet Olivier stated that the court had taken sufficient time to digest the evidence and arguments presented by the defense.

While acknowledging that Malema was a first-time offender, Olivier dismissed the defense’s claim that the shooting was a mere “celebratory” act.

“The sentence imposed should fit the offender as well as the crime. It must be fair to society and blended with a measure of mercy. It is nonsensical that the defense is sugar-coating the discharge of the firearm as a celebratory shot. The accused knew what he was doing was unlawful,” said Olivier.

The magistrate added that the events were pre-planned and not an impulsive act of anger.

“This decision was made long before the actual event. Such acts cannot be condoned by this court,” she added.

Breakdown of the Sentence:

• Count 1 (Unlawful possession of firearm): 5 years imprisonment.

• Count 2 (Unlawful possession of ammunition): 2 years imprisonment.

• Count 3 (Discharging firearm in public): R20,000 fine or 6 months in prison.

• Count 4 (Failure to take precautions): R20,000 fine or 6 months in prison.

• Count 5 (Reckless endangerment): R20,000 fine or 6 months in prison.

The court ruled that the sentences for counts one and two will run concurrently. Malema’s legal team is expected to appeal the ruling.