EFF leader remains free pending appeal after conviction over unlawful firearm discharge

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema will remain out of prison for now after a court granted him leave to appeal his five-year jail sentence, offering him temporary relief as the legal battle continues.

Malema, who was earlier convicted for the unlawful handling and discharge of a firearm, walked out of court on Thursday a free man instead of being taken into custody. The ruling allows him to challenge both his conviction and sentence at a higher court.

In a moment that drew attention inside the courtroom, Malema appeared visibly relieved as he waved to Magistrate Twanet Olivier before leaving the dock. Outside, supporters who had gathered in anticipation of the decision reacted with relief to the development.

The decision to grant leave to appeal means the EFF leader will not begin serving his sentence until the appeal process is concluded. Legal analysts say the move provides Malema with a significant reprieve, preserving both his freedom and political standing in the interim.

The case, which stems from an incident involving the discharge of a firearm at a public event, has remained a focal point in South Africa’s political and legal landscape. With the appeal now set to proceed, attention will shift to higher courts where the final outcome of the matter will be determined.