ANC calls for the arrest of Bitou deputy mayor after gunfire incident
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The African National Congress (ANC) has called for the arrest of Bitou Municipality Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi after a video showed her discharging a firearm in public during a cultural celebration.
The incident occurred in KwaNokuthula, Plettenberg Bay, where Kolwapi was filmed firing a gun at her son’s Umgidi ceremony.
The footage quickly circulated online, triggering public backlash and political condemnation.
BITOU DEPUTY MAYOR ARREST DEMAND
ANC Western Cape spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni said the party wanted decisive consequences and distanced itself from Kolwapi’s conduct.
“Discharging a firearm in public is a criminal offence,” Mtsweni said.
He further said the ANC had formally called on law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident.
“We want her arrested. We want her removed from council,” Mtsweni said during an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY IT MATTERS
According to police, the gunfire took place during a public celebration attended by community members, including children.
Kolwapi, who is the leader of the Ikhwezi Political Movement, was seen firing several shots into the air as festivities continued around her.
The Ikhwezi Political Movement governs Bitou Municipality in a coalition with the Democratic Alliance.
Mtsweni described the incident as reckless and unacceptable.
“She has put the lives of those around her in danger,” he said, warning that such conduct undermined public trust in leadership.
Mtsweni further questioned the DA’s silence on the matter, saying it raised concerns about accountability within coalition governance.
However, Kolwapi has denied any involvement of a real firearm in the incident.
In a recent statement, she claimed the object seen in the video was a replica toy gun used symbolically during her son’s Ulwaluko ceremony.
“There was no firearm present,” Kolwapi said, adding that the incident was being misrepresented for political purposes.
She further claimed that the backlash reflected deeper debates around culture, power and gender, arguing that her actions should be understood within a cultural context.
MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO CALLS FOR BITOU DEPUTY MAYOR’S ARREST
The Bitou Municipality confirmed that it is aware of the videos circulating on social media.
The municipality stated that the matter is under police investigation.
In a statement issued on 22 December 2025, the municipality said the Umgidi ceremony was a private family event and clarified that Kolwapi attended in her personal capacity.
POLICE INVESTIGATION UNDER WAY
Moreover, the police confirmed that a case has been opened at the KwaNokuthula police station. However, they have made no arrests yet, but investigations are ongoing.
Police have not yet verified whether the object seen in the video was a real firearm.
