Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters, received a five-year prison sentence after being convicted of illegal firearm possession and firing shots in public during a 2018 celebration. Malema's defense argued the firearm wasn't his and that he shot to rally the crowd, but the court dismissed these claims, emphasizing the act was deliberate. His supporters gathered outside the courtroom to show solidarity, chanting and singing in his favor. Malema remains defiant, vowing to appeal the verdict and take the case to South Africa's Constitutional Court.

The conviction stems from a viral video showing Malema shooting into the air at a party anniversary. Known for his radical left-wing stance and calls for land seizures and wealth redistribution, Malema's political influence continues to grow, with his party, the EFF, becoming South Africa's fourth-largest party. The case was brought by Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum, which has previously targeted Malema, including for hate speech convictions. Malema has publicly expressed pride in risking imprisonment or death for his revolutionary goals.