BREAKING: MALEMA GETS FREE BAIL

The EFF leader walked free from the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, thanks to a helicopter, a high court judge on standby, and a successful appeal against his five-year sentence.

KuGompo City, Eastern Cape – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema was granted leave to appeal his five-year prison sentence on Thursday, walking free from the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court just moments after being convicted on firearm charges .

While Magistrate Twanet Olivier upheld the politician’s conviction for discharging a rifle during a party rally in 2018, she ruled that a higher court might view the sentence differently. Consequently, she released Malema on warning as he prepares to fight the ruling .

The dramatic turn of events came after a tense morning in court where the State had pushed for a 15-year term, arguing that Malema had treated the judicial process as a “show” . However, the defense immediately launched an appeal, which the court granted for the sentence but refused for the conviction .

‘We Had a Chopper Ready’

Outside the courthouse, a defiant Malema addressed thousands of red-clad supporters, revealing the intricate legal web his team had spun to prevent him from spending a single night in jail.

“All they wanted was to have me sleep here for one night,” Malema claimed, according to Current Affairs ZA .

He explained that Deputy President Godrich Gardee, an attorney by profession, was stationed in Grahamstown with a helicopter on standby. Papers for an urgent bail application were ready to be filed at the High Court the moment the magistrate refused his release .

“We had a chopper waiting at the airport for the legal team to fly immediately to Grahamstown,” Malema said, adding that a judge was already prepared to hear the case .

A Divided Nation Reacts

The sentencing has sharply divided South Africa, highlighting the intense political polarization surrounding the firebrand leader.

Triumph for the Rule of Law
Lobby group AfriForum, which brought the private prosecution, welcomed the conviction as a victory for accountability. “We are very happy with how the court proceedings went. It was a fair trial and a fair judgment,” said spokesperson Jacques Broodryk .

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis echoed this sentiment, stating that the ruling sends a clear message that no one is above the law, particularly regarding the nation’s struggle with illegal firearm violence .

‘Our Jesus’
Conversely, EFF supporters celebrated the appeal as a narrow escape. One supporter, Mmabonolo Mokhobele, told News24 that she “jumped for joy” upon hearing the appeal was granted, hailing Malema as “our Jesus” .

Malema himself maintains his innocence, continuing to claim the incident was a political ploy to destroy his career. He insists the weapon used at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium was a toy .

What Happens Next?

Despite the celebration, the legal sword hanging over Malema’s head remains sharp. The conviction—which includes charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition—has not been overturned .

Under the South African Constitution, if the appeal fails and the five-year sentence is upheld, Malema faces disqualification from Parliament, as he would be sentenced to more than 12 months in prison without the option of a fine .

The appeal process is expected to be lengthy, potentially stretching for years as it winds through the High Court and potentially the Supreme Court of Appeal . For now, however, the EFF leader remains an active Member of Parliament and the head of the official opposition.

“The show is over,” the State had argued earlier this week . But on Thursday, as Malema walked out of the courthouse to the roar of singing supporters, it appeared the final act was still a long way off.