Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was sentenced to five years in prison for firing a rifle in the air at a political rally in 2018.

Malema, who heads the country's fourth-largest political party, was convicted last year on gun-related charges stemming from the incident at the 2018 rally. The EFF is a leftwing political organization in South Africa.

Lawyers for Malema immediately sought leave to appeal the sentence following Thursday's ruling. The appeal process is intended to prevent him from being taken to prison while legal arguments continue.

The case relates to an incident during a political gathering in 2018 when Malema discharged a rifle into the air. The conviction and sentencing represent a significant legal development for one of South Africa's prominent opposition political figures.

Legal proceedings in the matter are ongoing as Malema's legal team pursues the appeal process. The Economic Freedom Fighters party has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the sentence.