South African opposition figure Malema sentenced to five years in prison

South African opposition politician Julius Malema has been sentenced to at least five years in prison after being found guilty of the illegal possession of a gun and firing it in public.

Malema's lawyer said he would be appealing against the decision to prevent the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters from being taken away to prison.

Standing in court in a dark suit and red tie, Malema showed little emotion as the magistrate read out the sentence.

Last year, Malema was convicted of five offences, including the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging it in a public space and reckless endangerment.

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