South African Opposition Leader Malema Found Guilty for 2018 Firearm Discharge at Rally

South African opposition leader Julius Malema, head of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been found guilty of violating firearm laws for discharging a rifle at a 2018 rally celebrating the party's fifth anniversary. Despite Malema's defense claiming the gun was a toy, the court rejected this argument based on video evidence and witness testimonies, convicting him on multiple charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and reckless endangerment. His former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, accused of supplying the firearm, was acquitted, a decision Malema and his party argue reflects racial bias and political targeting. The ruling could potentially bar Malema from continuing as a member of parliament if he receives a sentence exceeding one year, with sentencing scheduled for January 2026. Malema has announced plans to appeal the conviction, maintaining that the charges are politically motivated. The case has drawn significant national and international attention, highlighting the contentious nature of Malema's political career and the polarized South African political landscape.