Thousands of supporters of South African opposition politician Julius Malema gathered outside a court in East London as he awaited sentencing for firing a rifle in the air at a rally in 2018.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader, 44, was convicted in October of unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place, but pleaded not guilty, claiming the gun was a toy.
Malema faces up to 15 years in prison, but could receive a more lenient sentence, such as community service, if the court considers mitigating factors.
A prison sentence exceeding 12 months would disqualify him from parliament, a blow to the EFF, which is popular among young South Africans critical of government efforts to address racial inequalities.
The EFF, South Africa’s fourth-biggest party, advocates nationalizing mines and seizing land from white farmers.
Independent political analyst Melanie Verwoerd said the party would struggle without Malema, citing opinion polls showing strong association with him.
