Sema Fonkem 23 Jan 2026

The pre-sentencing hearing of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader Julius Malema continues today at the East London Magistrates Court.

The sentencing began on July 25 2018 and Malema was convicted in October 2025 for violating the Firearms Control Act which criminalises the discharge of guns in public places.

The court found Malema guilty of discharging a firearm in a built-up environment, endangerment of lives, unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The incident took place in 2018 when Malema fired a rifle in the air during an EFF rally in Mdantsane, East London, Eastern Cape province.

Although Malema maintained that the rifle in his possession was a toy, 19 witnesses including his former bodyguard Adrian Snyman have testified against him.