In a twist Julius Malema sentence appeal has paused the five-year jail sentence handed down in the firearm case, giving the EFF leader temporary relief after the East London Regional Court ruled on Thursday, 16 April 2026, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier stood by the conviction, while granting leave to appeal the sentence, according to reporting by Reuters.
According to eNCA the case stems from a 2018 rally in Mdantsane, where Malema was filmed firing what appeared to be a rifle during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations. He was convicted on five counts in October, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and reckless endangerment.
In the courtroom, Olivier said, ‘This court abides by its decision as stated on record. This court has not had a change of heart and clearly stands firm on its decision to convict.’
Malema, meanwhile, told supporters, ‘We were tried by a magistrate who doesn’t read, who uses emotions, who speaks politics. We are done with her, we are going to a higher court.’
Malema will remain out on warning while the appeal process continues, with the ruling keeping his immediate prison term on hold.
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