Here’s why Julius Malema is facing jail time

EFF leader Julius Malema was sentenced to an effective five years’ imprisonment for discharging a firearm at a political rally in Mdantsane in 2018.

Here are the reasons why magistrate Twanet Olivier believes he should spend time behind bars:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition;
• Unlawfully discharging a firearm;
• He failed to take reasonable precautions to avoid danger to persons or property;
• The offences were not considered impulsive but planned;
• The court rejected the claim that the firearm was discharged as a celebratory gesture, and
• The magistrate found his actions contrary to the constitution and a betrayal of public trust.

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