South African Firebrand Jailed

A South African magistrate's court handed down the five-year term to Julius Malema after convicting him of unlawful possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment.

The charges stem from an incident where Malema was filmed firing an assault rifle into the air during his party's anniversary celebrations.

Malema, a divisive figure who has frequently been targeted by President Donald Trump's rhetoric, has vowed to appeal the decision.

Legal experts note that the sentence, if upheld, would be a major blow to the EFF's political future ahead of upcoming elections.