Julius Malema jailed for firing automatic weapon at election rally

45-year-old Malema was convicted last year of firing an automatic rifle during a campaign rally in 2018. The sentence was handed down on Thursday.

The case is politically charged. Malema's party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has strong support among young South Africans frustrated with the ruling ANC and the deep economic divides that have plagued the country since apartheid. Hundreds of red-clad supporters had gathered outside the court in East London in the Eastern Cape ahead of the sentencing.

Malema was previously the chairman of the ANC's youth wing, but was expelled after controversial statements and went on to found the EFF. After the 2024 elections, the party will be the fourth-largest in South Africa's parliament.