South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction of opposition leader Julius Malema for unlawfully discharging a firearm, but suspended his two-year prison sentence. The case stems from an incident in 2018 when Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), fired a rifle into the air at a party rally in the Eastern Cape province.
The court's ruling, delivered on Thursday, April 16, 2026, confirmed the 2021 conviction by the East London Regional Court. The original five-year sentence was later reduced to two years on appeal. The Supreme Court of Appeal found no grounds to overturn the conviction but ruled the sentence could be suspended for five years, meaning Malema will avoid prison unless he commits another crime during that period.
Malema was convicted under the Firearms Control Act. The court rejected his defense that the act was a political expression, stating the discharge of a firearm in a crowded public space was reckless and unlawful. The EFF has criticized the ruling, calling it politically motivated.
The legal proceedings have been closely watched, as Malema is a prominent and controversial figure in South African politics. The suspended sentence allows him to continue leading his party and participating in political activities ahead of the next national elections.
