EFF leader Julius Malema has been granted leave to appeal his firearm convictions after the Makhanda High Court found there were compelling reasons for his application.
The ruling means Malema can now challenge the convictions before a full bench of the High Court, according to EWN.
Malema remains out on warning while the appeal process continues.
High Court allows conviction appeal
The latest decision changes the position reached by the lower court earlier this year.
In April, the KuGompo Regional Court granted Malema permission to appeal his sentence but refused him leave to challenge his convictions. The Makhanda High Court has now granted that request.
EWN reports that the High Court found compelling reasons to allow the appeal against the convictions. The merits of those convictions will therefore be considered by a full bench.
Granting leave to appeal does not overturn the convictions. It allows a higher court to consider Malema’s challenge.
Five firearm-related convictions
The case stems from an EFF rally at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on 28 July 2018.
The National Prosecuting Authority said Malema was found guilty in October 2025 of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, failing to take reasonable precautions to protect people or property, and reckless endangerment.
The NPA said the case related to Malema firing a rifle into the air during the EFF rally.
Five-year sentence also under appeal
In April 2026, Malema was sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and two years for unlawful possession of ammunition.
He also received financial penalties for the remaining offences, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. He was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The lower court granted him leave to appeal the sentence, and he remained out on warning pending that process.
With the High Court’s latest ruling, Malema can now challenge both his sentence and the underlying convictions through the appeal process.