Malema in Court for Firearm Conviction Sentencing

Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters party, appeared in the KuGompo Magistrates Court in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday for presentencing proceedings following his conviction on firearm-related charges from an incident six years ago. The case stems from July 2018, when Malema fired several shots from a rifle into the air during the party's fifth anniversary rally at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, an event captured on video that drew widespread attention.

Malema was convicted last October on five counts under the Firearms Control Act, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a weapon in a public place, and reckless or negligent handling that endangered public safety. His former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was accused of providing the rifle, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The charges were initiated by the lobby group AfriForum, which reported the incident to authorities.

During Wednesday's hearing, the court considered arguments from both sides ahead of a final sentencing expected on Thursday. Prosecutors urged a custodial sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment, with at least 10 years potentially...