A South African court on Wednesday found firebrand opposition leader Julius Malema guilty of violating gun laws for firing an assault rifle at a 2018 rally.
Malema, leader of the radical anti-capitalist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, is known for fiery speeches and courting political tensions both at home and abroad.
The 44-year-old and his former bodyguard were charged for firing the gun in the air during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebration in Eastern Cape province.
The court found him guilty of unlawful possession, reckless endangerment, among other charges, the National Prosecuting Authority said.
Malema could face up to 15 years in prison. The case will be heard on January 23 next year for pre-sentencing.
Malema, who was present in court for the verdict, said he will appeal the decision.
Speaking to supporters outside, he struck a defiant tone: “As a revolutionary, going to prison or death is a badge of honour. We cannot be scared of prison or dying for the revolution.”
In August, Malema was found guilty of hate speech for telling his supporters at a 2022 rally that they should “never be scared to kill”.
He has long been criticised by South Africa’s white minority for his radical rhetoric and his singing of the anti-apartheid song “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer”, which some say incites anti-white violence.
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