Julius Malema Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

Julius Malema, the leader of the South African opposition party, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The conviction is linked to a 2018 incident where a video showed him discharging a semi-automatic rifle during a party anniversary celebration in the Eastern Cape.

Malema was also found guilty of reckless endangerment. Upon appearing in court dressed in a dark suit and red tie, he displayed little emotion as the sentence was delivered.

His lawyer confirmed plans to appeal the judgment. The case was brought forth by the Afrikan lobby group Afriforum, following the viral video that led to the legal proceedings against Malema.