South African Court Finds Radical Politician Malema Guilty On Gun Charges

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:03):
On October first, twenty twenty five, a South African court
convicted radical opposition politician Julius Malima of multiple gun related charges.
The charges stamped from an incident at a twenty eighteen
rally ware Malema fired what appeared to be an automatic
rifle into the air. Malima, leader of the radical anti

(00:25):
capitalist Economic Freedom Fighters f party, is known for fiery
speeches in courting political tensions both at home and abroad.
The forty four year old and his former bodyguard were
charged for firing the gun in the air during the
fifth birthday celebration in Eastern Cape Province. The court found

(00:45):
him guilty of unlawful possession, reckless endangerment, among other charges.
The National Prosecuting Authority said Malima could face up to
fifteen years in prison. The case will be heard on
January twenty three, next year for pre sentencing. Malima, who
is present in court for the verdict, said he will

(01:06):
appeal the decision. Speaking to supporters outside, he struck a
defiant tone as a revolutionary going to prison or death
as a badge of honor. We cannot be scared of
prison or dying for the revolution. Malima was found guilty
of hate speech by the Equality Court for remarks he
made at a twenty twenty two rally. He had told supporters,

(01:31):
you must never be scared to kill. A revolution demands
that at some point there must be killing. He has
been repeatedly criticized for singing the anti apartheate song killed
the Brower, which some interpret as an incitement to violence
against white farmers travel bad. In June twenty twenty five,

(01:52):
the United Kingdom permanently denied Melema entry, deeming his presence
non conducive to the public good.