South African opposition leader Julius Malema was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of firing a rifle in the air at a 2018 rally.

The court also imposed additional penalties, though the sentences will run concurrently, and he was released pending appeal.

Malema has vowed to take the case to the Constitutional Court, a process that could take years and delays any jail time.

His supporters gathered outside court in large numbers, while legal experts say he will remain free during the appeals process, Reuters has reported.

If the conviction is ultimately upheld, it could bar him from serving in parliament and significantly impact his political career.