Hundreds rally as Julius Malema faces sentencing over firearm conviction

Hundreds of EFF supporters gathered in a South African city ahead of the sentencing of party leader Julius Malema, who was found guilty of firing a gun into the air at a 2018 rally. Prosecutors are seeking up to 15 years in prison. The case, brought by AfriForum, has sparked claims of political targeting, while Malema remains a controversial figure over his fiery rhetoric and use of the “Kill the Boer” chant, which courts have ruled is not hate speech.

Hundreds of supporters dressed in red gathered in a South African city on Wednesday in support of radical left-wing opposition leader Julius Malema, ahead of his sentencing over a firearms case dating back eight years.
The case involves Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who was found guilty in October of violating firearm laws after he was seen firing an assault rifle into the air during a party rally in 2018 near East London. The sentencing and final arguments are expected on Thursday, with prosecutors seeking the maximum 15-year prison term.
The charges were brought by the AfriForum group, which has frequently clashed with Malema over his political rhetoric and has also taken its concerns about him to international attention, including discussions involving former US President Donald Trump.
Heavy police presence was reported in the eastern city of KuGumpo, formerly known as East London, as EFF supporters marched toward the court in solidarity with their leader. The party, though relatively small, remains highly vocal and insists the case is politically motivated and aimed at silencing Malema.
Malema has long been a controversial figure in South African politics, partly due to his use of the anti-apartheid struggle song “Kill the Boer,” which critics, including AfriForum, say promotes hostility toward white Afrikaners. However, South African courts have previously ruled that the chant does not constitute hate speech and must be understood within the historical context of the fight against white-minority rule, which ended in 1994.
The issue has also drawn international attention, with Donald Trump previously referencing Malema’s speeches during discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, highlighting concerns raised about violence against white farmers, a claim that remains highly debated within South Africa.