High court gives Juju permission to appeal firearm conviction

The Makhanda High Court has granted Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema leave to appeal his firearm conviction, a significant development in his ongoing legal battle.

In April, Malema was sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment by the KuGompo Regional Court for the unlawful possession of a firearm, along with a concurrent two-year sentence for the unlawful possession of ammunition. He was also fined for discharging a firearm in a built-up area and for reckless endangerment.

While the regional court initially granted him leave to appeal his sentence, it had denied him leave to appeal the conviction itself. This latest ruling by the High Court overturns that decision, allowing him to challenge both the conviction and the sentence.

The High Court has granted Malema leave to appeal his convictions after finding compelling reasons for the application.

The EFF leader remains out on warning while the appeal process continues. The case will now be heard by a full bench of the Makhanda High Court.