Do you think Julius Malema will actually go to prison?

[Jet-Fighter7700]

Can pigs fly?

if they have the right skin colour and "struggle" credentials.
not just fly, but cross oceans.

 

[Fcon_Vpro]

Keep in mind that it's a fully automatic assault rifle which illegal to be in the possession of a civilian. Doesn't matter if he took it and handed it back, it should never have been present in the first place, let alone being used by a civilian...

It was a semi-automatic. Competent civilians can buy semi-auto ak47's.

Haven't read the judgment. But anyone is allowed to handle and use my firearm under my supervision. Doesn't matter if they have a competency, or are competent or trained to use it.

Will read the judgment later. Sounds interesting based on the discussions here.

What you are saying is correct.
Reading this article it looks like Malema is going to get away with just fines once he appeals. It looks like the judge got it wrong. Not sure why the bodyguard was aquitted considering he handed him the weapon in an unsafe space:

EFF leader Julius Malema’s firearm discharge conviction divides opinions, sparks political firestorm

Julius Malema’s five-year sentence for discharging a firearm in Mdantsane in 2018 has drawn mixed reactions.

www.dailymaverick.co.za

 

[stefan9]

Politicians don't go to jail. He will find a way to get off.

 

[zerocool2009]

He saw what Zuma did! He was taught by his ex master

 

[lkswan747]

It is so sad when you have to vote No to this poll because those in power and politics will never see a day in prison!

 

[Gravedigger]

Whole another story if Malema used the firearm to point at someone. Then there's big trouble.

I know of someone using a stolen firearm, and he pointed it at another guy, and got 10 years imprisonment, along with the ammunition he stole as well, add another 5 years.

So, looking at Malema's case, what was the intent of handling a firearm? As protection, or to shoot someone ?

Same with the assault rifle. What was the intent ? To discharge the rifle in a public space, with multiple witnesses, also spells big trouble, unless he defended himself, but the intent that he had with the rifle was to make "noise". What comes up, must come down. If the bullets struck and killed someone or even injure, then he's going sit long-time in the chookie for that, as that indicates malicious intent to injure or harm, as well as endangerment.

If I see someone lifting a rifle or firearm in the air, to discharge, I would either get the F out of there, or seek shelter, as the person discharging the firearm is endangering my life.

 

[Kyle15]

I think this case may turn out to be more interesting than some expect. It's not the standard case of a politician stealing money or being in contempt of court as in Zuma's case. The precedent will be far reaching and impact the interpretation of firearm laws and more importantly the courts consistency.

I also have a feeling that the higher courts will not appreciate Malema insulting the magistrate. High court and SCA judges have been notoriously harsh on those who scandalize the court.

 

[InvisibleJim]

I think this case may turn out to be more interesting than some expect. It's not the standard case of a politician stealing money or being in contempt of court as in Zuma's case. The precedent will be far reaching and impact the interpretation of firearm laws and more importantly the courts consistency.

I also have a feeling that the higher courts will not appreciate Malema insulting the magistrate. High court and SCA judges have been notoriously harsh on those who scandalize the court.

The NPA didn't appreciate what he said about the prosecutor. Wouldn't surprise me if he ends up in breach of his bail if he doesn't moderate his words and actions.