Julius Malema granted leave to appeal conviction in gun-discharge case

The Eastern Cape High Court in Makhanda has granted Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema leave to appeal the conviction and sentence in his public firearm discharge case.

The court granted Malema leave to appeal the conviction on Monday, 28 September.

HIGH COURT GRANTS JULIUS MALEMA LEAVE TO APPEAL CONVICTION IN FIREARM CASE

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 or public 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 and alternative prison terms 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 initially refused his application for leave to appeal the convictions. The EFF leader subsequently approached the Makhanda High Court seeking leave to challenge the convictions.

[BREAKING] The High Court in Makhanda has granted EFF Leader, Julius Malema leave to appeal his conviction in his firearm case. He was sentenced to five years direct imprisonment by the East London Magistrates Court in April. @Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/GTteiAEZ19

— Zoleka Qodashe (@ZOLEKV_Q) September 29, 2026

DEFENCE ARGUED FOR LENIENT SENTENCE

During the sentencing proceedings earlier this year, a private social worker told the court that a custodial sentence would have a significant impact on Julius Malema’s family because he was the main financial provider.

The social worker also argued that imprisonment would affect Malema’s ability to fulfil his political responsibilities, including his role as an EFF leader and Member of Parliament.

Malema remains out of prison pending the appeal process. The NPA previously said he remained out on warning following the sentencing proceedings.