Leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters party, sentenced to five years imprisonment in April 2026 for unlawful firearm discharge at a 2018 public gathering.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
June 2026
The Namibian
Julius Malemaallegedly shown in WhatsApp messages communicating withFeroz Khan and private power networks
Source
“Alleged WhatsApps linking Julius Malema, Feroz Khan and private power networks expose a disturbing question about Parliament and police intelligence.”
EFF leader Julius MalemaclaimedRamaphosa should resign immediately because he could not deal with impeachment proceedings and the duties of office at the same time
Source
“EFF leader Julius Malema claimed Ramaphosa should resign immediately because he could not deal with impeachment proceedings and the duties of office at the same time.”
Julius Malemacalled onpresident Cyril Ramaphosa to resign
Source
“Leading South African opposition figure Julius Malema has called on president Cyril Ramaphosa to resign after the Constitutional Court ruled parliament had violated the constitution by blocking moves to impeach him in 2022.”
EFF leader Julius Malemawill win ifcourt rules in favour of the EFF and ATM
Source
“If the justices rule in favour of the EFF and ATM, EFF leader Julius Malema wins, as he will use the moment to build the party's profile as a campaigner against corruption and to consolidate opposition to Ramaphosa.”
Julius Malemareceivedfive-year prison sentence for unlawfully discharging a firearm at 2018 public gathering
Source
“South africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema yesterday received a five-year prison sentence in the KuGombo Regional Court for unlawfully discharging a firearm at a 2018 public gathering, with further sentences on related charges structured to run concurrently.”
Julius Malemawas sentenced tofive years direct imprisonment for unlawful firearm possession and two years for unlawful ammunition possession
Source
“Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), NEFF's mother party, was sentenced to five years direct imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and two years for unlawful possession of ammunition yesterday.”
Julius Malemawas sentenced tofive years in jail for firing an assault rifle
Source
“A South African court yesterday sentenced radical left-wing opposition leader Julius Malema to five years in jail for firing an assault rifle at a rally eight years ago.”
Julius Malemahas been sentenced toat least five years in prison
Source
“South African opposition politician Julius Malema has been sentenced to at least five years in prison after being found guilty of the illegal possession of a gun and firing it in public.”
Madlanga Commission evidence alleges WhatsApp messages show Crime Intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan communicating with businessman Mohammadh Sayed about EFF leader Julius Malema, and that Khan may have influenced parliamentary questions and shared personal details. The case raises concerns about parliamentary oversight being compromised by intelligence and private interests.
Why it matters
Madlanga Commission evidence of intelligence-politics collusion through Malema-Khan WhatsApps threatens parliamentary oversight integrity.
Madlanga Commission evidence alleges WhatsApp messages show Crime Intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan communicating with businessman Mohammadh Sayed about EFF leader Julius Malema, and that Khan may have influenced parliamentary questions and shared personal details. The case raises concerns about parliamentary oversight being compromised by intelligence and private interests.
Makashule Gana, a Rise Mzansi MP, has been elected chairperson of Parliament's Section 89 impeachment committee, which will decide President Cyril Ramaphosa's future. The committee includes prominent MPs from multiple parties, including EFF leader Julius Malema, DA representatives, MK leader John Hlophe, BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane, and ActionSA's Lerato Ngobeni.
A Constitutional Court ruling has forced Parliament to consider impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over allegations concerning US dollars stolen from his home. However, analysis suggests it is unlikely he will be removed from office, as a two-thirds majority of MPs would be required and the ANC's interests appear to align with his remaining in power.
South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled that parliament violated the constitution by blocking moves to impeach president Cyril Ramaphosa in 2022, following a legal challenge by Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters and others. The ruling could result in fresh impeachment proceedings; Ramaphosa's office says he respects the judgement and reaffirms his commitment to the constitution and rule of law.
South Africa's Constitutional Court will deliver judgment on 8 May on an application by the EFF and ATM challenging Parliament's blocking of an impeachment inquiry against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal, involving the concealment of a farm theft of nearly $4 million in cash.
The Pan-African Parliament in South Africa this week is electing a new bureau after resolving a 15-year argument about leadership representation. In May 2017, the PAP passed a resolution to introduce regional rotation of the presidency, addressing a pattern in which only east, west, and central African leaders held the top position during the institution's first 18 years.
Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters party, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the KuGombo Regional Court for unlawfully discharging a firearm at a 2018 public gathering in Mdantsane Stadium, with additional concurrent sentences on related charges. The prosecution argued the act was premeditated and posed serious danger to the 20,000 people present, while the defence contended the state misread evidence and that Malema should be treated equally under the law rather than receiving harsher punishment due to his public status.
Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters deputy president Kalimbo Iipumbu has described the sentencing of EFF leader Julius Malema in South Africa as politically driven and designed to intimidate. Malema was sentenced to five years imprisonment for unlawful firearm possession in connection with a 2018 incident, though he has been granted leave to appeal the sentence.
Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters party, was sentenced to five years in jail for firing an assault rifle at a 2018 rally. The magistrate ruled the shooting was a deliberate violation of firearm laws, not an impulsive celebration as his defence claimed, and Malema's team has signalled an intention to appeal.
Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters and member of parliament, has been sentenced to at least five years in prison after being found guilty of illegal gun possession and firing it in public during his party's 2018 anniversary celebrations. His lawyer said he would appeal the decision, which would disqualify him from parliament once all appeals are exhausted.
Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters party, is set to be sentenced today in South Africa for firing an assault rifle at a rally in 2018, with the state seeking the maximum 15-year jail term. Hundreds of supporters gathered ahead of his sentencing in East London, as the case—brought by far-right group AfriForum—continues amid broader controversy over Malema's use of anti-apartheid slogans.
A satirical opinion piece describes how Namibian social media personalities who make unsubstantiated accusations against public figures often face defamation lawsuits, forcing them to apologize and undermining legitimate activism in the country.
President Ramaphosa's comments suggesting retention of Johannesburg's current mayor signal possible ANC plans to impose a national candidate on the region, while the party's recent march focused on defending national sovereignty appears designed to shift campaign messaging away from local service delivery failures to broader anti-Trump and liberation movement themes.
The Namibian's analysis of Mosiuoa Lekota, who died on Wednesday, argues that his role in forming the Congress of the People in 2008 was equally vital to his anti-apartheid activism. By breaking the ANC's political dominance, Cope's 1.3 million votes prevented Zuma's government from securing a two-thirds majority, shifted South African politics from racial to policy-based competition, and inspired the formation of other parties including the EFF and ActionSA, fundamentally changing the country's democratic trajectory.