South African opposition leader Julius Malema receives five-year sentence for 2018 firearm violation

Julius Malema, leader of a South African opposition party, received a five-year prison sentence on Thursday following his conviction for violating firearm regulations. The charges stem from an incident at a 2018 political rally where he discharged a rifle. Malema has been released while awaiting an appeal, which will be scheduled for a future date. Should the conviction and sentence be upheld, he would be barred from serving in Parliament. South African legislation prohibits individuals convicted of crimes with sentences exceeding twelve months from holding parliamentary office.