The East London Magistrate’s Court convicted Malema of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in public, reckless endangerment, and failing to take reasonable precautions to avoid danger.

The charges were laid after video footage showed Malema being handed a rifle before firing shots into the air in front of thousands of supporters. His former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who owns a private security company, was acquitted on some charges and discharged.

Inside a courtroom filled with EFF supporters, Magistrate Twanet Olivier delivered the verdict, noting that while viral footage of the incident circulated widely, the court relied instead on authenticated video provided by the staging company, Gearhouse, which had filmed the rally.

Malema’s defense had argued the gun was a “toy” that fired blanks, but the court dismissed this claim, ruling that the firearm was real and that his actions put lives at risk. Both Malema and Snyman had pleaded not guilty from the beginning, insisting there was insufficient evidence to convict them.

The case, first brought forward by lobby group AfriForum, has dragged on for years. With Wednesday’s ruling, Malema’s bail was extended as the matter was postponed to January 23 for pre-sentencing proceedings.

The conviction marks a significant moment for the EFF leader, whose political career has often been surrounded by controversy. Supporters in the courtroom remained visibly tense as the judgment was read.

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