Shot automatic rifle at election rally – party leader jailed

TT

Published 11.28

          

         South African Economic Freedom Fighters party leader Julius Malema in an East London                           courtroom on Wednesday. Photo: Str Via AP/TT

South African opposition leader Julius Malema, leader of the left-wing radical EFF, has been sentenced to five years in prison.

45-year-old Malema was convicted last year of firing an automatic rifle during a campaign rally in 2018. The sentence came on Thursday.

The case is politically charged. Malema's party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strong support among young South Africans who are tired of the ruling ANC party and the deep economic gaps that have plagued the country since apartheid. Hundreds of supporters dressed in red gathered outside the court in East London, Eastern Cape, ahead of the sentencing.

Malema was previously the president of the ANC's youth wing, but was kicked out after making controversial statements and founded the EFF. After the 2024 elections, the party will be the fourth largest in South Africa's parliament.