A South African court has sentenced opposition leader Julius Malema to five years in prison for discharging a firearm at a political rally eight years ago.
The Economic Freedom Fighters leader was convicted for firing an assault rifle into the air during a party celebration in 2018, in violation of firearm laws.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Twanet Olivier ruled that Malema had deliberately breached the law.
The sentencing drew significant attention, with hundreds of EFF supporters, dressed in the party’s signature red attire, gathering outside the court in a show of solidarity.
