The alleged firing of a handgun at her son’s cultural ceremony into manhood by Bitou Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi has drawn sharp condemnation and calls for political accountability.

Knysna-Plett Herald in an update reports that in a video that circulated widely on social media, Kolwapi is seen firing a handgun at 10 Sajini Street in Kwanokuthula, Plettenberg Bay, around 10:00 yesterday, during her son Tsepiso’s Mgidi cultural ceremony marking his transition into manhood.

Calls for accountability

Ratepayers have requested provincial intervention due to the severity of the allegations and the high-ranking position of the official involved, expressing their ‘deep concern and condemnation’.

“The province must confirm what monitoring, intervention, or inquiry steps are being considered to safeguard lawful governance in Bitou,” said Ratepayers chairperson Tony Blignaut.

Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam, who attended the ceremony but was not present at the time of the incident in Kwanokuthula as she only arrived at 15:00, said she did not support the alleged actions by her deputy.

Investigating

“I do not support the discharge of a firearm in public under any circumstances. The use of weapons in public spaces is governed by law and must be complied with by all,” said Kamkam.

Southern Cape SAPS media spokesperson Warrant Officer Christopher Spies confirmed Kwanokuthula detectives are investigating a case of pointing of a firearm following an alleged incident in Kwanokuthula at about 10:30.

He said that ‘according to reports available’, Kwanokuthula police members visited a premises after a video of the incident was circulated on social media.

“Investigation into this incident is at an early stage and no arrests have been made yet. SAPS is not in a position to divulge particulars of individuals involved at this stage,” said Spies.

Act decisively

Blignaut said in his statement that the DA, as the leading party in the governing coalition, along with Kolwapi’s Ikhwezi Political Movement and the Active United Front, ‘cannot distance itself from this matter… Voters are entitled to know,’ said Blignaut.

He added that immediate action is required from Bitou Municipality. “The municipal council and speaker have a duty to act decisively.”

This, according to him, includes:

• immediate consideration of precautionary measures pending the outcome of investigations;
• full transparency regarding any councillor code of conduct processes;
• clear communication to the public on steps being taken to protect institutional integrity.

“Silence or inaction will be interpreted as tacit approval,” said Blignaut. He added that if the facts reported are confirmed, ‘this conduct is unlawful, reckless and wholly incompatible with the responsibilities of public office’.

“The alleged actions place lives at risk, undermine public trust and bring the municipality, council leadership and coalition partners into serious disrepute.”

Legal implications

In South Africa, discharging a firearm in a public area is a criminal offence under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. Penalties vary based on the intent and consequences of the act but can include significant prison time, heavy fines and the loss of the right to own firearms.

Blignaut said that at a time when communities across Bitou are grappling with service delivery failures, including the self-created water crisis, safety concerns and declining confidence in local governance, such behaviour by senior political office-bearers is unacceptable.

He said the Ratepayers’ views are clear:

• the rule of law must apply equally to all;
• no elected official is above the law and SAPS must be allowed to conduct a full, independent investigation without interference, favour or delay;
• any attempt to minimise or politicise the matter would be intolerable.

Bitou municipality responds

A statement by Bitou Municipality said it acknowledged ‘numerous videos’ circulating publicly that depict Kolwapi celebrating the homecoming of her son from initiation school in a ceremony known as umgidi.

“The umgidi celebration is a private event organised by the family of the returning initiate and whoever attends it does so in their private capacity,” said Bitou communications manager Andile Namntu.

The videos have drawn significant public interest and comment in relation to her discharging what appears to be a firearm in public.

“We are aware and do acknowledge that the SAPS is currently investigating this matter following a criminal case opened by a member of the public.

“It is also important to clarify the fact that Councillor Kolwapi is the representative of the Ikhwezi Political Movement on the Bitou council and not the ANC, as per various comments made on public platforms.

“The municipality reaffirms its commitment to upholding accountability, transparency and adherence to the rule of law and will co-operate fully with the relevant authorities as the process unfolds,” said Namntu.

Deputy mayor responds

Kolwapi said in a statement, signed in her capacity as president of the IPM, the firearm shown in her hand in videos and photographs was a ‘toy gun’, or replica.

“There was no firearm present,” she said. The video was taken during her son’s ulwaluko, a sacred Xhosa initiation ceremony that marks the transition into manhood.

“It is unfortunate that this moment has been used to score political points by the ANC and bogus so-called local community leaders.

“The fact that this act was performed by a woman has unsettled some and that reaction itself deserves reflection. For generations, power, ritual authority and public symbolism have been narrowly defined along patriarchal lines.

“A woman occupying this space — confidently, visibly and unapologetically — challenges the assumption that leadership, protection and cultural authority belong to men alone. It is an assertion that women are not guests in culture or politics — we are custodians and architects of both,” said Kolwapi.

“This moment cannot be separated from the political and social reality of South Africa today. We are a nation grieving; women are being killed in their homes. This was a symbol of taking back our culture, taking back our identity and taking back our power.”

She said there was no contradiction between celebrating culture and condemning violence.

“The incident was not a threat — it was a declaration.

“A declaration that our sons must be raised to honour life, not dominate it. A declaration that power, when held by women, can be transformative.

“I remain committed, as a leader and as a mother, to building a South Africa where our traditions evolve without losing their soul, where women’s authority is not questioned but respected, and where no woman has to march, protest or mourn simply to be safe.”

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