South African firebrand opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison for firing a rifle at a 2018 rally. The ruling could disqualify him from parliament if upheld, as, under South Africa’s constitution, citizens with a sentence exceeding 12 months are barred from serving as lawmakers. Malema was, however, released pending appeal, with legal proceedings potentially stretching for years. The ruling will no doubt benefit Malema’s political rivals, including the ruling ANC coalition, as it means that a fiercely disruptive populist opponent becomes bogged down in prolonged criminal proceedings. In contrast, it could prove disastrous for the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters, as it could mean losing its most charismatic leader and chief strategist. If Malema’s sentence is upheld and he is banned from parliament, it would drastically alter South Africa’s political landscape and potentially fracture its most vocal opposition movement.
Reuters
