A South African court on Thursday sentenced opposition leader Julius Malema to five years in prison after convicting him of violating firearms laws by firing a rifle during a political rally in 2018, in a case that sparked widespread political and legal controversy in the country.

Trial of South African opposition leader

The court had convicted Malema last October on five charges, including the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, firing a weapon in a populated area, and recklessly endangering the lives of others.

During the sentencing hearing, hundreds of party supporters, known as fighters, gathered in front of the court, wearing the party's distinctive red uniform, and chanted slogans and sang songs in support of their leader before and after the verdict was announced.

The charges against Malema came in the wake of a widely circulated video showing him firing a gun during a political event. He was charged along with his bodyguard, Anton Snaiman, who was acquitted by the court.

For her part, Judge Toinette Olivier confirmed that the ruling was based on the seriousness of the acts committed, stressing that the judicial decision was based solely on the facts of the case, without any other considerations.

In contrast, Malema considered the case to be politically motivated, noting that it was brought by Afriforum, an organization representing the white Afrikaner minority, which has a long history of disagreements with his policies.

Malema is known for his controversial positions, particularly his call for the confiscation of white-owned land without compensation, as well as his demand for the nationalization of mines and banks, policies that have caused a sharp division within South African society.

Prior to his trial, Malema served as a member of parliament and led the left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters party, the fourth largest political party in South Africa. Despite the verdict, he was released on bail pending an appeal filed by his defense team, which is scheduled to be decided at a later date.

According to South African laws, any deputy who is convicted of a crime and sentenced to more than 12 months in prison without the option of a fine is barred from holding a seat in parliament, meaning that upholding the sentence could lead to Malema's exclusion from legislative life.