Bitou deputy mayor under police probe after alleged firearm discharge

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Victor Molosi Region has called for an urgent investigation after a video circulated on social media allegedly showing the Deputy Mayor of Bitou Municipality, Councillor Nokuzola “Noksi” Kolwapi, discharging a firearm during a ceremonial gathering on Sunday.

The footage, which has drawn widespread attention online, is said to have been recorded during a Mgidi celebration held in Kwanokuthula to mark the completion of matric by Kolwapi’s son, Tsepiso Martin, 18.

Several people, including community members, were reportedly present at the event.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, the ANC said it viewed any alleged discharge of a firearm as a serious matter, particularly when it involved a public representative. The party said elected officials were expected to uphold the law and act responsibly at all times.

The ANC called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the authenticity of the video and the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. It said the law must be allowed to take its course without fear or favour.

According to the Knysna-Plett Herald, cases relating to the alleged discharging of a firearm and the pointing of a firearm have since been opened at the Kwanokuthula police station.

Southern Cape SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Christopher Spies confirmed that detectives were investigating a case of pointing of a firearm following an alleged incident at Sajini Street, Kwanokuthula, on Sunday, 21 December. He said the investigation was ongoing and no further details could be released at this stage.

Discharging a firearm in a public place in South Africa is a serious criminal offense under the Firearms Control Act (FCA) carrying potential penalties like hefty fines, imprisonment (even a minimum of 15 years depending on charges like reckless endangerment), and being declared unfit to possess a firearm, with exceptions only for "good reason" (like self-defense or euthanizing a dangerous, injured animal), but even then, it leads to investigations and potential firearm confiscation for ballistics.

The ANC reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, public safety and responsible leadership. The party said that should the allegations be substantiated, appropriate action would be taken in line with the law as well as the organisation’s constitutional and disciplinary processes.

At the time of publication, Kolwapi had not publicly responded to the allegations. Police have not indicated whether any arrests have been made or if additional charges may follow once the investigation is concluded.