South African opposition politician, Julius Malema, says he will appeal a five-year jail sentence handing to him for firing a rifle at a 2018 political rally.

On Thursday, Magistrate Twanet Olivier convicted Mr Malema of possession of illegal firearms and discharging a weapon in public.

“I’m going to the highest court where they don’t use emotions. They use law. What does the law say and apply the law? ,” Mr Malema said to a gathering of supporters and members of the Economic Freedom Fighters. 

“We are going forward. The campaigns of the EFF must continue business as usual. When she found me guilty, I’m going to appeal to the highest court until the constitutional court.”

Mr Malema who is founder of the EFF,  said he didn’t pay for bail but was asked to “Go home.”

“I have seen her ugly face for too long. So, I’m going. I will no longer appear before that ugly white face. We can tell you now. No super judge will ever argue that a person shoots one bullet and then is sentenced for five years,” Mr Malema added. 

He further stated that the judge had not read her own judgment, adding that no normal presiding officer would come to the conclusion.