Political upheaval for Malema after conviction

IS THIS the beginning of the end for Julius Malema?

- SIPHO JACK

The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is standing at a critical crossroads following his conviction on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm in a public area.

Once hailed as the paragon of South African politics and one of the future leaders of South Africa, Malema's future hangs in the balance. The firebrand leader of one of the most influential political entities in Africa finds himself facing political obscurity.

The East London Magistrate's Court pronounced a verdict on Wednesday that found Malema guilty on all five counts filed against him, which also included reckless endangerment and failing to take reasonable precautions to avoid danger.

These convictions carry hefty sentences of a minimum of two years and a maximum of 15 years in prison.

The court ruled that the firearm brandished by Malema was a real weapon, contradicting the defence's assertion that it had fired only blanks.