A new video has emerged showing Bitou Municipality's deputy mayor, Nokuzola Kolwapi, handing a gun to her bodyguard after allegedly firing shots into the air during her son's initiation homecoming in KwaNokuthula. Kolwapi claims it was a toy gun, but two members of the public have filed charges against her for public firearm discharge. The municipality is investigating the incident.
The incident occurred over the weekend in KwaNokuthula, near Plettenberg Bay, during a celebration marking the homecoming of Councillor Nokuzola Kolwapi's son following his initiation ceremony. An initial video captured Kolwapi firing what appeared to be a gun into the air, drawing public attention and concern over the safety of discharging firearms in a public space.
In response, Kolwapi issued a statement denying the presence of a real firearm, asserting that it was merely a toy gun used in the festivities. However, a newly surfaced video, shared by eyewitnesses online, depicts her handing the weapon directly to a law enforcement officer who serves as her protector and driver. Bitou Municipality spokesperson Andile Namntu confirmed the man's official role, adding credibility to the footage.
The event has sparked outrage, leading two members of the public to lodge formal charges against Kolwapi for pointing a firearm in public and discharging it within a municipal area. These allegations highlight ongoing debates about firearm regulations and public safety in South African communities.
Bitou Municipality has stated that the new video will be incorporated into their ongoing detailed investigation. As the probe continues, questions remain about the veracity of Kolwapi's toy gun claim and the broader implications for local governance and enforcement of firearm laws.