EFF leader Julius Malema has been granted leave to appeal his firearm convictions by the Eastern Cape High Court in Makhanda.
The court made the decision on Monday, 28 September 2026.
The ruling allows Malema to challenge his convictions before a Full Bench of the Eastern Cape High Court.
Case dates back to 2018
The case stems from the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on 28 July 2018.
During the event, video footage showed Malema firing a firearm. The incident later led to criminal charges under the Firearms Control Act.
The court eventually found Malema guilty on five charges.
These included unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a built-up area.
He was also convicted of failing to take reasonable precautions to avoid danger and reckless endangerment.
Five-year prison sentence
In April 2026, the KuGompo Regional Court sentenced Malema to an effective five years in prison.
The court imposed five years for unlawful possession of a firearm.
It also imposed two years for unlawful possession of ammunition. The sentences run concurrently.
For the remaining three charges, the court imposed R20,000 fines on each count. Those sentences also run concurrently.
The court further declared Malema unfit to possess a firearm.
Malema takes conviction appeal to High Court
At the time of sentencing, Malema received leave to appeal his sentence.
However, the lower court refused him leave to appeal his convictions.
His legal team then approached the Eastern Cape High Court in Makhanda.
The latest ruling gives Malema permission to challenge the convictions.
The appeal will now be considered by a Full Bench of the High Court.
Convictions have not been overturned
The latest ruling does not overturn Malema’s convictions.
It also does not cancel his five-year sentence.
Instead, it allows the conviction appeal to proceed.
The Full Bench will consider the arguments presented by Malema’s legal team before making a decision.
Malema remains out of prison while the appeal process continues.
ECNews Live will continue to follow developments in the case.
