EFF welcomes Julius Malema’s leave to appeal firearm convictions

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed the decision by the Eastern Cape High Court in Makhanda to grant party leader Julius Malema leave to appeal his firearm-related convictions.

The High Court granted Malema leave to appeal on Monday, 28 September.

EFF REACTS TO MALEMA BEING GRANTED LEAVE TO APPEAL

Julius Malema was convicted by the KuGompo Regional Court in October 2025 on five charges relating to the unlawful possession and discharge of a firearm during an EFF rally in Mdantsane in 2018.

The charges included unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, failure to take reasonable precautions to avoid danger to a person or property, and reckless endangerment.

In April 2026, Malema was sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm. He was also sentenced to two years for unlawful possession of ammunition, while fines were imposed for the remaining offences. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective five-year prison term.

The KuGompo Regional Court granted Malema leave to appeal his sentence but refused leave to appeal his convictions. He subsequently approached the Makhanda High Court seeking leave to challenge the convictions.

BREAKING: EFF leader Julius Malema has been found guilty on charges related to his firearm discharge case.

He has been convicted on charges of discharging live ammunition during a 2018 rally in Mdantsane.

His security officer Adriaan Snyman has been acquitted. @JusstAlpha pic.twitter.com/dogczGjqWq

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) October 1, 2025

In a statement, the EFF welcomed the High Court’s decision, saying it supported the party’s position that Malema’s convictions should be tested on appeal.

The party also raised concerns about the handling of the firearm belonging to Malema’s co-accused, Adriaan Snyman, who was acquitted.

According to the EFF, Snyman’s firearm was returned to him by the state before judgment was delivered. The party said this was contrary to established legal procedure and alleged that the presiding judge was unaware of the decision.

EFF QUESTIONS NPA’S HANDLING OF CASE

The EFF has also criticised the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) over its handling of the case.

The party accused the NPA of having an “extraordinary and deeply suspicious appetite for imprisonment” and contrasted its handling of Malema’s case with its prosecution of violent crimes.

“These are serious allegations made by the EFF about the prosecution’s conduct and should be understood as the party’s position rather than established findings by the court.”

The EFF said it had consistently maintained that the case was not primarily about firearm control.

The party alleged that the prosecution was politically motivated and initiated by AfriForum, which it accused of being hostile towards the EFF and its leadership.

“It is a politically motivated prosecution, initiated by AfriForum, an organisation with a long record of hostility towards the EFF and its leadership,” the party said.

The EFF said the appeal process would provide an opportunity for the convictions to be tested by a higher court.

Malema remains out on warning pending the finalisation of the appeal process.