In South Africa, Julius Malema, a prominent opposition leader, has been sentenced to five years after being found guilty of violating firearm laws. The conviction arises from a 2018 incident where he fired a rifle during a political rally.

Malema, who leads the Economic Freedom Fighters party, was convicted in October on five charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, firing a weapon in a built-up area, and reckless endangerment.

Throughout the trial and sentencing, Malema maintained that the case was politically motivated, noting that it was initiated by AfriForum, a lobby group representing members of the white Afrikaner minority.