Deeply troubling: Gun Free SA warns of public safety risks from Bitou deputy mayor's gun symbolism
Bitou Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi during a public celebration that later sparked police investigation after footage emerged of a gun being discharged.
Image: Screenshot/X
Gun Free South Africa has warned that the Bitou deputy mayor’s gun-related conduct — whether involving a real firearm or a replica — poses a serious public safety risk and contributes to the normalisation of violence in a country already grappling with extreme levels of gun crime.
“Whether the object was a real firearm or a replica, in a public space, people cannot tell the difference. They do not know or care if the firearm is legal or illegal. That action by the deputy mayor is likely to create fear, confusion and risk, particularly in a country experiencing extreme levels of gun violence,” said Stanley Maphosa, executive director of Gun Free South Africa.
Maphosa was responding to a viral video showing Bitou Local Municipality in the Western Cape's Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi apparently discharging a gun during celebrations marking her son’s ulwaluko initiation ceremony.
Kolwapi has insisted the object was a toy or replica firearm and has framed the incident as a symbolic act linked to South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis, arguing that women should not be portrayed solely as victims.
However, Gun Free South Africa stated that the symbolism invoked by Kolwapi was deeply troubling, particularly given her position as a senior public officeholder.
“When gun-like objects are used in celebration, particularly by a deputy mayor, it sends a dangerous message to communities and to children that guns are part of joy, power or culture. That is a lesson South Africa cannot afford,” Maphosa said.
He said such conduct undermines public trust and weakens efforts to curb violence, especially when carried out by those entrusted with making and upholding the law.
“It is an oxymoron that lawmakers become lawbreakers and expect people to trust them again. Leadership matters. Leaders set norms, and when they appear to disregard safety or the law, it undermines public trust and weakens efforts to build safer communities.”
South Africa loses approximately 33 people every day to gun violence, Maphosa said, warning that incidents involving firearms or gun-like objects at public celebrations cannot be viewed in isolation.
“We cannot meaningfully reduce violence while simultaneously normalising gun behaviour in public spaces, even symbolically.”
South Africa loses approximately 33 people every day to gun violence
Image: File
Maphosa said the Firearms Control Act clearly prohibits the discharge of firearms in public spaces without good reason and places a legal duty on firearm owners to prevent danger to others.
“These provisions exist to protect lives, not to target culture or individuals.”
He added that the matter should be properly investigated by police without fear or favour, echoing calls for accountability following the public backlash sparked by the video.
“Accountability strengthens democracy. It does not weaken it. Consistent enforcement, responsible leadership and clear boundaries around firearms are essential if we are serious about saving lives.”
Gun Free South Africa also used the incident to caution firearm owners about safe handling and storage, particularly during the festive season when children are at home.
“Firearms must be stored unloaded, in a locked safe, with ammunition stored separately, and must never be handled or displayed around children. One moment of negligence can have lifelong consequences.”
Police have confirmed that a case has been opened to investigate whether any laws were contravened during the incident, while political pressure continues to mount on Kolwapi to account for her actions.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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