Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) President Julius Malema has been sentenced to a minimum of fifteen years in prison following the conclusion of his firearm discharge trial, which spanned several years. Presiding Magistrate Twanet Olivier delivered the ruling at the East London Regional Court in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, on Thursday, 16 April 2026, after closing arguments were heard the previous day.“In respect of count one, you are sentenced to a period of five years’ imprisonment. In respect of count two, you are sentenced to a period of two years’ imprisonment. In respect of count three, you are sentenced to pay a fine of R20,000 or undergo six months’ imprisonment. In respect of count four, you are sentenced to pay a fine of R20,000 or undergo six months’ imprisonment. In respect of count five, you are sentenced to pay a fine of R20,000 or undergo six months’ imprisonment,” Magistrate Olivier ruled.
Malema’s conviction stems from the circulation of a video recorded during the party’s fifth anniversary celebrations at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on 28 July 2018, in which the EFF “Commander-in-Chief” is seen firing what appeared to be a rifle in front of thousands of supporters.
“It is a grave concern to this court that an event was planned and that what appears to be the unique feature of the event ended up in the commission of an offence,” she said. “It is clear that the planning included that the accused will possess or take possession of a semi-automatic rifle, fire a point a .223 Remington bullet into the air, thereby causing possible harm to person or property in a built-up area that is now called celebratory shots,” Olivier continued. She rejected the characterisation of the incident as a harmless celebration, describing it as “sugarcoating”.
She said the plan included specific details about timing and location, and therefore, held Malema accountable for all five charges.
What Malema did at Sisa Dukashe Stadium could have set a reckless precedent. Firing bullets of any kind into the air—deadly or not—can cause severe harm, depending on where they eventually land. The stadium was packed with EFF supporters, and the party leader had placed them all at risk. Violence, whether planned or not, has a tendency to escalate if the law does not keep it in check. Magistrate Olivier faced a complex case involving a populist politician and his support base, and applied the law fairly. Malema’s defense team did its best to argue their case, but there was no denying the risk created by his actions.
The incident had been planned as part of the event, with no consideration of the consequences it might cause. Malema will appeal the verdict.
The focus will now shift to the future of Malema’s career as a political figure.
Political analyst Goodenough Mashego said the sentence is unlikely to end Malema’s career. “It’s unlikely to be a severe sentence. Malema is not aiming for anything above 12 months, because that will mean the end of his parliamentary career. He added that any tougher outcome would be challenged. “If he is sentenced to anything above 12 months, they are going to immediately launch an appeal, which will mean that the case is going to track longer. “If it’s less than 12 months, I think he’s just going to let it go. This is a long case. It is a long deal.”
Malema is likely to appeal his conviction. For his support base, this may not change much. He remains a populist politician who enjoys the loyalty and admiration of his followers. A long and difficult battle with gruelling complexities lies ahead. Malema is known as a fighter, whether in parliament or on the campaign trail. Whether he manages to have his current sentences overturned remains to be seen. Above all, Malema is a politician who draws strength from the rhetoric he delivers. His policies are shaped more by what is appealing than by what is cautionary. How his next move unfolds will determine the atmosphere of South African politics.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
