South African opposition leader Julius Malema returned to court on Wednesday as prosecutors sought the maximum 15-year prison sentence over a 2018 incident in which he fired a rifle in the air at a political rally.
Malema, the head of the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters, was convicted last year of unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place. He had pleaded not guilty, insisting the object was a toy gun and that the act was purely symbolic.
Prosecutors argued in a magistrate’s court in KuGompo City, formerly East London, that a custodial sentence is necessary to deter similar behaviour by public officials.
“The accused is a political leader with a huge following… young people emulate this kind of behaviour,” prosecutor Joel Cesar told the court. “He’s a member of parliament, a lawmaker, but he breaks the law.”
Malema’s legal team, however, argued that there was no intent to cause harm and urged the court to impose a lighter penalty, such as a fine.
The case has significant political implications, as a prison sentence exceeding 12 months—if upheld after appeals—would disqualify Malema from serving in parliament, potentially weakening the EFF’s influence in South Africa’s legislature.
The party draws substantial support from young voters frustrated by ongoing inequality in post-apartheid South Africa.
Outside the courthouse, Malema addressed supporters and vowed to appeal any sentence handed down by the court.
The court adjourned proceedings until Thursday for further deliberation.
