Malema Found Guilty on Gun Charges, Vows to Appeal
In a verdict that has sent shockwaves through South African politics, opposition leader Julius Malema was found guilty today on multiple firearm-related charges stemming from a 2018 rally in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.
The Case: What He Was Charged With
The East London Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Twanet Olivier, convicted Malema on five counts, including:
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Possession of ammunition illegally
- Discharging a firearm in a public place
- Reckless endangerment
- Failure to take reasonable precautions
The charges relate to an incident at a party rally in 2018, during which video evidence showed Malema firing what prosecutors argued was a working assault rifle into the air.
Malema had claimed the weapon was a toy, but ballistic experts and eyewitnesses testified otherwise. The court rejected his defense, citing multiple confirmations that the firearm discharged live rounds.
Interestingly, his bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was also charged, was acquitted on all counts.
Reaction from Malema and His Camp
Malema emerged from court to tell supporters the guilty verdict is nothing but a “badge of honour.” He insisted he would fight the decision—promising appeals all the way to the Constitutional Court if necessary.
He accused the magistrate of racial bias, pointing to Snyman’s acquittal (Snyman is white) as proof of unfair treatment.
His party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), echoed his sentiments, calling the trial a politically motivated attempt to weaken their influence.
Legal Experts Doubt His Appeal Will Succeed
Not all observers are optimistic about Malema’s chances on appeal. Legal analyst Ulrich Roux noted that the magistrate’s judgment was thorough, referencing the consistency between ballistic reports and witness testimony. He argued that Malema’s own defense, especially his toy-gun claim, severely weakened his case.
Roux suggested the only realistic path forward for Malema is to challenge how evidence was weighed or technicalities in procedure, but cautioned those routes are narrow and difficult.
Consequences & What Comes Next
Malema now awaits sentencing, scheduled for January 23, 2026, when a pre-sentencing report will also be presented.
A conviction with a prison sentence exceeding one year could threaten his eligibility to remain a Member of Parliament, per South Africa’s constitutional rules.
However, given the discretion in sentencing and absence of mandatory minimums for some charges, observers are watching closely how the court balances political and legal factors.
Why This Matters
Malema is one of the most polarizing figures in South African politics. Under his leadership, the EFF has pushed for radical reforms like expropriation of land without compensation and nationalization of strategic industries.
Today’s verdict will be seen by many as a test of the judiciary’s independence in handling cases involving powerful political figures. Meanwhile, Malema’s base may rally around him, seeing the conviction as persecution. For opponents, it’s a legal check against a contentious leader.
If you like, I can pull together photo galleries and videos from the courtroom and reactions across South Africa to enrich this story further for your audience.
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