South African opposition leader Julius Malema was found guilty on Wednesday of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public place, and reckless endangerment, after video showed him firing multiple rounds during the Economic Freedom Fighters’ fifth-anniversary event in the Eastern Cape in 2018. The court set 23 January 2026 for pre-sentencing proceedings.

Charges, Verdict And Evidence

Magistrate Twanet Olivier delivered the verdict after three days of judgment, ruling that Malema fired live rounds at the rally and violated the Firearms Control Act. Local reporting cited allegations that 14–15 shots were fired before a crowd of about 20,000 supporters. Malema pleaded not guilty and had argued the gun was a toy, but the court rejected that claim. Snyman, accused of supplying the weapon, was acquitted.

What Comes Next

With pre-sentencing scheduled for 23 January 2026, legal experts say the conviction could imperil Malema’s status as a Member of Parliament if he receives a custodial sentence longer than 12 months. The EFF leader has vowed to appeal the ruling, potentially up to the Constitutional Court.

Reactions And Wider Context

The EFF condemned the outcome as a “witch hunt,” while Malema told supporters that going to prison “is a badge of honour,” and said he would not “retreat.” The conviction follows an August equality-court finding that he was guilty of hate speech over remarks urging followers to “never be scared to kill,” decisions that have amplified debate over Malema’s rhetoric and its impact on South Africa’s tense race politics.