Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), received a guilty verdict for five firearm-related charges on 1 October 2025 in the East London Magistrates’ Court. Specifically, this Malema firearm conviction stems from a 2018 incident where he fired an assault rifle into the air at an EFF rally in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. Importantly, the court dismissed his claim that he used a toy gun with blank cartridges.
Charges and Conviction
Malema’s convictions include unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public place, and reckless endangerment of people or property. In contrast, the court acquitted his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman. For instance, Magistrate Twanet Olivier noted Malema’s “evasive” behavior during cross-examination, which strengthened the guilty verdict.
Potential Consequences
Under the Criminal Law Amendment Act, possessing an automatic or semi-automatic firearm carries a minimum 15-year sentence. However, legal experts argue that Malema’s first-time offender status likely ensures a lighter penalty. For example, attorney Tyrone Maseko told Daily Maverick that a suspended sentence or fine seems more probable, especially since no injuries occurred. Moreover, a prison term exceeding 12 months without a fine could bar Malema from serving as an MP for five years.
Sentencing and Appeal Plans
The court scheduled sentencing for 23 January 2026, and a pre-sentence report will evaluate mitigating factors. Meanwhile, Malema pledged to appeal the Malema firearm conviction, labeling the charges “nonsense” and racially motivated. While addressing supporters, he accused the magistrate of bias. Consequently, legal analyst Ulrich Roux cautioned that Malema’s lack of remorse might prompt the magistrate to issue a harsher sentence.
Public and Political Impact
The Malema firearm conviction has ignited widespread debate. Specifically, AfriForum, which filed the 2018 case, celebrated the outcome.
“The evidence clearly showed Malema committed serious offences,” spokesperson Jacques Broodryk declared.
Meanwhile, the EFF, with 39 seats in the National Assembly, faces uncertainty as Malema’s legal fight persists.
Ultimately, Malema’s appeal could prolong the case for years. Nevertheless, the final outcome will shape his political career and the EFF’s future. For now, South Africans eagerly await the January sentencing.
