Regulation
Julius Malema Convicted of Firearm Law Violation
On Wed, Oct 11, 2023, Julius Malema, leader of the South African opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters, was found guilty of contravening the Firearms Control Act. The conviction relates to a 2018 incident where Malema was recorded discharging a firearm at a political rally.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred during the fifth anniversary celebration of the Economic Freedom Fighters in the Eastern Cape province. A video of Malema firing the weapon circulated widely at the time. An Afrikaner lobby group, Afriforum, subsequently filed criminal charges against him.
Legal Proceedings
- Malema’s defense claimed the firearm in question was a toy gun. However, Magistrate Twanet Olivier dismissed this argument.
- Adriaan Snyman, Malema’s former bodyguard, was accused of providing the firearm but was acquitted of all charges.
Reactions and Next Steps
Following the verdict, Malema announced his intention to appeal the decision, potentially escalating the case to the Constitutional Court. The sentencing is scheduled for Mon, Jan 23, 2024. Malema may face up to 15 years in prison, though there is no mandatory minimum sentence.
Background on the Economic Freedom Fighters
The Economic Freedom Fighters, founded by Malema, is South Africa’s fourth-largest political party, gaining 9% of the vote in the most recent general elections. The party is known for its controversial policies, including the expropriation of land without compensation and the nationalization of major industries.
