EAST LONDON, Eastern Cape – In a ruling with significant political ramifications, Julius Malema, the fiery leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was found guilty of illegally discharging a firearm by the East London Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The verdict stems from an incident during the party’s fifth-anniversary celebrations in 2018.

While Malema faces a criminal conviction, his co-accused and former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The contrasting outcomes set the stage for a legal and political showdown as Malema’s sentencing hearing is yet to be determined.

The case against Malema centered on a widely circulated video from the EFF’s event at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane. In the footage, Malema is seen firing what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle into the air before a crowd of cheering supporters. The prosecution argued that this act constituted a reckless violation of South Africa’s strict firearm laws.

The court agreed, finding the evidence sufficient to secure a conviction for the discharge of a firearm in a manner likely to incite public fear or pose a danger to persons or property.

In a surprising turn, the case against Adriaan Snyman collapsed. The state had alleged that the firearm used by Malema was illegally possessed by Snyman, who was serving as his head of security at the time. However, the magistrate found the evidence linking Snyman to the specific weapon to be insufficient, leading to his full acquittal on all charges.

The conviction is a major development in South African politics, where Malema is a prominent and often controversial figure. Legal analysts suggest that while the charge does not carry a mandatory prison sentence, the court has a wide range of options, from a fine to a custodial sentence. The outcome of the sentencing will be closely watched, as any severe penalty could temporarily sideline the EFF commander-in-chief from the political arena.

The EFF has historically framed the charges as a politically motivated attempt to silence its leadership and undermine its growing influence. The party is expected to rally behind Malema, likely portraying the verdict as an attack on the broader struggle for economic emancipation in South Africa and across the continent.

As the legal process moves to the sentencing phase, all eyes will be on the East London court. The final judgment will not only determine Malema’s immediate future but could also alter the dynamics of opposition politics in South Africa ahead of the next national elections.