Police in Kwanokuthula, Plettenberg Bay are investigating an alleged incident of pointing of a firearm involving the Bitou Municipality’s Deputy Mayor, Nokuzola Kolwapi, after a video circulated on social media. The incident is believed to have taken place on Sajini Street on Sunday.
Kwanokuthula police confirmed that officers visited the premises after becoming aware of the footage and that detectives have since opened a case.
“The investigation is still at an early stage, and the police are not in a position to divulge particulars of individuals involved at this stage,” said police spokesperson Christopher Spies.
Kolwapi, who is also the leader of the Ikhwezi People’s Movement, has denied that a real firearm was involved. She explained that the object seen in the video was a replica used during a cultural ceremony.
“In response to the video circulating on social media, I would like to clarify that there was no firearm present. The item witnessed in my hand is a replica, a toy gun. It was taken during my son’s ulwaluko, a sacred Xhosa initiation ceremony that marks the transition into manhood,” Kolwapi said.
She described the incident had been politicised and should be viewed within a broader social and cultural context.
“There is no contradiction between celebrating culture and condemning violence. The incident was not a threat, it was a declaration,” Kolwapi said.
Photo: Supplied/ Bitou Local Municipality
