Julius Malema guilty of gun charges at political rally
- Julius Malema was convicted of violating South Africa's firearms laws during a 2018 rally.
- The charge was brought by Afriforum, an advocacy group focused on Afrikaner rights.
- Malema's conviction may have significant implications for his political future and the broader discussions on gun rights and racism in South Africa.
In South Africa, Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters party, was found guilty of violating firearms laws during a political rally in 2018. The incident occurred at his party's five-year anniversary celebration in the Eastern Cape province, where he was filmed firing a rifle on stage. The charge, initiated by the Afrikaner rights advocacy group Afriforum, focused on Malema's defiance of the Firearms Control Act. The court also acquitted Malema's bodyguard, who was alleged to have provided the weapon, which led Malema to label the magistrate's decision as racially motivated since the bodyguard is white. Malema argued that the gun in question was a toy, a claim that the magistrate rejected, affirming the seriousness of the violation. While he could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, sentencing is set for January 23 of the following year, and the court may take a lenient approach due to the absence of a minimum sentence. Malema's political career has been contentious, characterized by his calls for land expropriation without compensation and nationalization of key industries, which have drawn a polarized public response. His rhetoric has gained international attention, sparking concern from figures including U.S. President Donald Trump, who referenced Malema during discussions about racial issues in South Africa. This conviction may further complicate Malema's political landscape and amplify national debates surrounding gun rights, racism, and the legacy of apartheid in South Africa, where illegal firearms remain a pressing issue as the country grapples with crime and safety.