WESTERN CAPE — Bitou Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi has made her first court appearance in the Western Cape regarding a viral video that captured her allegedly discharging a firearm in a public place.
Kolwapi is currently charged with the contravention of the Environmental Conservation Act, specifically under the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations. The charges stem from an incident in December during her son’s initiation homecoming celebration. During the event, Kolwapi was recorded in a video that subsequently went viral on social media. In the footage, she appears to brandish and fire what resembles a handgun. However, Kolwapi maintains that the object depicted in the video was merely a toy gun or replica.
Outside the court, supporters from the Ikhwezi political movement gathered to show solidarity. A spokesperson for the Ikhwezi political movement described the situation as a politically motivated attempt to assassinate Kolwapi’s character on social media.
The Ikhwezi spokesperson highlighted that the justice system had indicated through ballistic tests that no real bullets were used during the incident. Consequently, the matter was downgraded to an environmental process involving noise violations and the pointing of a firearm. The spokesperson asserted that because no real ammunition was discharged, there was no actual criminality involved in the event.
Conversely, the complainant in the matter expressed satisfaction that the deputy mayor had made her first appearance but voiced strong concern over the reduced charges. While acknowledging the current charge relates to the violation of the conservation act, the complainant stated an expectation that she should have been charged under the Firearm Controls Act.
Undeterred by the current charge sheet, the complainant announced plans to approach the National Director of Public Prosecutions. The complainant intends to make formal representations to challenge the current charges and push for them to be upgraded to ensure justice is served.
The case has been postponed to August 6. The delay will allow for legal consultations and provide the state with time to supply the defense with the video footage linked to the matter.