News
South African opposition figure Malema sentenced to five years in prison
South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of firearm-related offences, marking a significant development in the country’s political landscape.
The 45-year-old leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was convicted on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm, discharging a weapon in a public space, and reckless endangerment.
The sentencing was delivered at a court in East London by Magistrate Twanet Olivier. Malema, dressed in a dark suit and red tie, showed little visible reaction as the ruling was read out.
His legal team immediately filed an appeal in an effort to prevent his immediate imprisonment, setting the stage for a potentially lengthy legal battle that could reach higher courts.
The charges stem from a 2018 incident during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in the Eastern Cape, where a video surfaced showing Malema firing a semi-automatic rifle into the air. In his defence, he argued that the weapon was not his and that he discharged it to energise the crowd.
However, the court rejected this explanation, with Magistrate Olivier stating the act was deliberate and central to the event, rather than spontaneous.
Malema, a member of parliament and a prominent political figure, has built a reputation as a vocal and polarising leader advocating for radical economic reforms, including land redistribution and wealth transfer policies. His party has gained significant support, emerging as one of the country’s major political forces in recent elections.
Supporters gathered outside the courthouse during the proceedings, chanting and singing in solidarity with the EFF leader, underscoring his strong grassroots backing.
Malema previously served as head of the youth wing of the African National Congress (ANC) before being expelled following a dispute with former President Jacob Zuma. He later founded the EFF, which has since eroded portions of the ANC’s electoral base.
Reacting to his conviction last year, Malema struck a defiant tone, saying that imprisonment or even death would be “a badge of honour” in the struggle he represents. He has also pledged to challenge the ruling all the way to Constitutional Court of South Africa if necessary.
The case was initiated by AfriForum, an Afrikaner lobby organisation that has frequently clashed with Malema and his party.
In a separate matter last year, Malema was also found guilty of hate speech over controversial remarks made at a 2022 rally, further adding to his mounting legal challenges.
News
One Killed as Train Derails After Collision With Truck in Poland
One passenger has been killed after an intercity train collided with a concrete mixer truck at a level crossing in Poland.
The train derailed following the crash at Sokolniki Suche, around 100km (60 miles) south of Warsaw, at about 11:20 local time (09:20 GMT).
Around 120 people were on board the train when the collision occurred. National long-distance rail operator PKP Intercity said 20 people were injured, including four who suffered serious injuries.
Reports from the scene said the level crossing was equipped with traffic lights and barriers, while the concrete mixer struck a carriage behind the train’s engine.
The exact sequence of events remains unclear and an investigation is expected to establish how the collision happened.
The incident is the second serious crash at a Polish level crossing in just a few days.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the latest accident as “very serious” and called for tougher regulations governing level crossings.
He said there was a need for the rules to be “radically toughened” to deal with drivers who repeatedly ignore barriers and red warning lights at railway crossings.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
News
US to Ban Imports of Canadian Alcohol, Dairy Products and Motorbikes
The United States is set to ban imports of a range of Canadian products, including alcoholic spirits, some dairy goods and motorbikes, following the introduction of retaliatory Canadian tariffs on American goods.
In a series of executive orders issued on Tuesday, President Donald Trump accused Canada of “discriminating” against the US and announced that the new import restrictions would take effect on 29 September.
The measures are the latest development in a months-long trade dispute between the two neighbours, who have historically been close allies and major trading partners.
Officials from both countries have said they want to reach a new trade agreement, but no further negotiations have been scheduled since talks broke down in late August.
Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc described the latest US measures as “unjustified” and said he would work to protect Canadian workers, families and businesses.
“Our core focus is on what we can control: building strength at home, diversifying our partnerships abroad, and building Canada strong for all Canadians,” LeBlanc said.
He added that he had spoken with his US counterpart and remained committed to working “in good faith” to resolve the trade tensions.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier on Tuesday that reducing the country’s reliance on the US as its largest trading partner “will come at a cost”.
The US is by far Canada’s most important export market, with more than two-thirds of Canadian exports generally going south of the border.
According to UN data compiled by Trading Economics, Canadian exports to the US in 2025 included $687m (£507m) worth of alcoholic spirits, $269m of dairy products and $90m of motorbikes.
News
King Charles Rules Out Royal Duties for Harry and Meghan After UK Return
King Charles has made clear that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will remain non-working royals despite their return to the UK.
A letter sent on behalf of the King states that the couple will not be permitted to carry out official royal engagements or represent the Royal Family.
Harry and Meghan, who moved back to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, will continue to be treated as private citizens. They will also not use the HRH titles of His and Her Royal Highness.
The letter, issued by the Lord Chamberlain, one of the most senior officials in the Royal Household, has reportedly been sent to Harry’s team, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants.
It makes clear that any public engagements undertaken by the Sussexes will be carried out in a private capacity and should not be treated as official royal visits.
The intervention comes ahead of expected public appearances by Harry and Meghan in the UK this autumn as they settle back into the country and continue supporting their charitable causes.
The King’s message also reinforces the arrangements agreed in 2020, when the Sussexes stepped back from royal duties under the so-called Sandringham Agreement.
The agreement ruled out a “half-in, half-out” arrangement that would have allowed Harry and Meghan to retain working royal status while pursuing independent commercial interests.
The letter states that the couple “stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign” in January 2020 and “are no longer working members of the Royal Family”.
It adds that their charitable activities are “a personal matter for them both” and are undertaken in their private capacity.
The King’s message also says organisations seeking guidance on how Harry and Meghan should be received, particularly where public funds could be involved, should contact Buckingham Palace.
The issue of security remains separate. The letter states that operational security matters should continue to be handled by the relevant police authorities.
Harry has previously complained about the level of police protection available to him and his family in the UK. Decisions over security for royals and other prominent figures are handled by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec.
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