A RAINY DAY FOR MALEMA | A LAWMAKER THAT BREAKS LAWS

Economic Freedom Fighters Leader, Julius Sello Malema sentenced to 5 years imprisonment

Lurnay Tshabalala-Mavuso, Senior Reporter | POLITICS | 16 April 2026

After what has been a lengthy legal ride, Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Sello Malema has been sentenced to 5 years imprisonment following his July 2018 Mdantsane Firearm case. In 2025, he was found guilty and convicted on five charges which include, unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public space.

In July 2018 the Economic Freedom Fighters had its fifth birthday celebration at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. In a video that circulated across all social media platforms, Malema was seen carrying an assault rifle and opening fire into the air in front of thousands of EFF supporters. Malema appeared before the East London Regional Court on April 16 for his sentencing after final remarks were delivered yesterday by his legal team led by Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Senior Counsel. In a video by Eyewitness News reporter, Alpha Ramushwana on TikTok, Malema was shown kissing his wife as he was leaving the dock with a face that looked sad and concerned. This was day before the sentencing.

THE RULING

- Count 1 : Sentenced to 5 years imprisonment

- Count 2 : Sentenced to 2 years imprisonment

- Count 3 : Sentenced to a fine of R20 000 or undergo six months of imprisonment

- Count 4 : Sentenced to a fine of R20 000 or undergo six months of imprisonment

- Count 5 : Sentenced to a fine of R20 000 or undergo six months of imprisonment

Handing down the ruling was Magistrate Twanet Olivier, who further expressed that the shooting was premediated than anything else. Olivier told Malema's legal team and a docked Malema that firing a firearm in a public space is very much unlawful even when no one in the stadium got hurt, but it is still very much unlawful. Malema pleaded not guilty to the charges laid upon him.

With thousands of his supporters outside the East London Magistrates court in KuGompo City, formerly East London, who have expressed their disappointment in the ruling handed by Magistrate Olivier. The supporters say they will continue with the fight and they will keep their Commander In Chief in their prayers and they know that he will make it through this.

Malema's legal team expressed that they would be appealing this decision to the higher court.

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