Police yet to make arrest in Bitou deputy mayor 'toy gun' case

Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made in the investigation involving Bitou Deputy Executive Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi, following the viral video that appeared to show her discharging a firearm just before Christmas.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Christopher Spies said on Monday that Kwanokuthula detectives are investigating a case of pointing a firearm after the incident on Sunday, December 22, last year. 

Kolwapi, who is also the Ikhwezi Political Movement (IPM) president, had defended her actions, stating that the video was taken during the celebration marking the return of her son from ulwaluko - a sacred Xhosa initiation ceremony that marks the transition into manhood.

In her statement, she specifically mentions the firearm being a “replica (toy-gun)”.

Kwanokuthula police officers visited the house after a video of the incident was circulated on social media, Spies said. 

"Investigation into this incident is at an early stage, and no arrests have been made yet. The police are not in a position to divulge particulars of individuals involved at this stage,” he said. 

When asked whether Kolwapi had been suspended or placed on leave, Bitou municipality spokesperson Andile Namntu said there was no update from the municipality’s previous statement. He added that council is still in recess and would reconvene on January 13. 

The municipality previously reaffirmed their commitment to upholding accountability, stating that it would fully cooperate with the relevant authorities as the process unfolds.

Firearm experts have commented that even a toy gun can constitute breaking the law.

“The Firearms Control Act classifies a replica of a firearm. In other words, in this instance, a toy gun (is perceived) as the same as a firearm depending on how it is used. For example, if you point a toy gun at somebody and they believe that it is in fact a real firearm, that's a criminal offence. There are possible criminal offences that could stem from an adult, and I want to stress an adult, because obviously a child with a toy gun is potentially quite different, but an adult waving around an object that looks like a firearm is completely unacceptable, and in public, even less acceptable,” attorney and firearm instructor, Martin Hood Hood previously said.

Cape Times