South African opposition politician Julius Malema has been found guilty of firing a gun in public seven years ago.

A 2018 video emerged showing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader firing several shots in the air during his party’s fifth anniversary celebrations held in the country’s Eastern Cape province.

He was charged alongside his former bodyguard Adriaan Snyman, who was acquitted.

Malema and Mr Snyman were charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging it in a public space and reckless endangerment among others. The first charge carries a maximum 15-year sentence.

He was accused of firing between 14 and 15 live rounds on a stage in front of 20,000 EFF supporters, according to South African news site SowetanLIVE.

Malema told the court the firearm was not his and that he had fired the shots to rouse the crowd.

Magistrate Twanet Olivier while delivering judgment says Malema “you are found guilty as charged”.

Julius Malema was convicted on 5 charges in the 2018 EFF rally firearm case:

1. Unlawful firearm possession: Gearhouse footage showed him handling/firing a real rifle, not a toy.

2. Unlawful ammo possession: Footage implied live rounds as he discharged it.

3. Discharging in public: Video confirmed firing in crowded stadium, violating Firearms Control Act.

4. Reckless endangerment: Act risked thousands of attendees’ safety.

5. Failing precautions: No safety measures taken in public setting.

Adriaan Snyman was acquitted on charges 4 & 6 due to insufficient evidence linking him directly to the discharge or endangerment; his role was security, not involvement in firing.

The case was postponed to January 2026 for pre-sentencing.