What next for South African opposition firebrand Malema after his five-year prison sentence?
The sentence raises huge questions marks over the political future of one of South Africa's most controversial politicians.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"to challenge his conviction, he would first have to seek permission from the Eastern Cape high court."
— Ulrich Roux , Academic
"I believe this will position the EFF and Malema well. It's actually going to have unintended consequences… because he will play on the public sympathy."
— Khanyi Magubane , Academic
"The accountability on a public office bearer is a lot more, it weighs heavy, than that of a regular South African person."
— Twanet Olivier , Other
"We were tried by a magistrate who doesn’t read, who uses emotions, who speaks politics."
— Julius Malema , Politician
"We are fighting the enemy and the enemy is white supremacy."
— Julius Malema , Politician
"The accused is a political leader with a huge following … young people emulate this kind of behaviour."
— Joel Cesar , Other
"No sober judge will ever agree that a person shoots one bullet and then he is sentenced for five years."
— Julius Malema , Politician
"Gun violence is out of control in South Africa."
— Geordin Hill-Lewis , Politician
Key People
Cyril Ramaphosa is the President of South Africa.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Leader of the Democratic Alliance and member of South Africa's governing coalition.
Joel Cesar is the state prosecutor in Julius Malema's case.
A South African politician and an influential figure in the country.
Political analyst commenting on the situation within the Democratic Alliance.
Louw Nel is a political analyst at Oxford Economics.
Swana is a political analyst providing commentary on Malema's case.
Olivier is a magistrate who sentenced Julius Malema.
A legal expert providing analysis on Julius Malema's case.
Tags
All Coverage
The sentence raises huge questions marks over the political future of one of South Africa's most controversial politicians.
Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, was sentenced to five years in prison for firing a rifle in the air at a 2018 rally. His lawyers have appealed the sentence, and he remains free pending the outcome.
Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters, was sentenced to five years in prison for firing a gun at a 2018 rally. The sentence disqualifies him from serving in parliament if upheld after appeals.
Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters, was sentenced to five years in prison for firearm-related offenses. He remains free pending an appeal, which could disqualify him from serving in parliament if upheld.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Five shot dead at residence in Georgia's Douglas, police says - Reuters
Five shot dead at residence in Georgia's Douglas, police says Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 11:21 AMThe midterm strategy driving Democrats deep into Trump country - Reuters
The midterm strategy driving Democrats deep into Trump country Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 10:05 AMGermany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat - Reuters
Germany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 06:04 AM'Stain on the country': Trump criticises Norway over Nobel Peace Prize
The US president told a rally he had "never heard of" the winner, former International Criminal Court judge Navi Pillay.
October 10, 2026 at 04:07 AMTaiwan cherishes peace but will not give up freedom, president says - Reuters
Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up freedom, president says Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 03:13 AMTrump says Norway has 'indelible stain' for not awarding him Nobel Peace Prize - Reuters
Trump says Norway has 'indelible stain' for not awarding him Nobel Peace Prize Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 01:32 AM