WATCH VIDEO| Bitou Deputy Mayor Slams Critics, Defends Firing Gun As Act Of ‘Taking Back Power’

Bitou Municipality Deputy Mayor and Ikhwezi Political Movement (IPM) leader Nokuzola Kolwapi has responded to widespread criticism after a video emerged showing her firing what appeared to be a gun during her son’s traditional Xhosa initiation ceremony.

Kolwapi clarified that the weapon was a replica toy gun, used in the context of her son’s ulwaluko ritual, and dismissed the backlash as politically motivated.

Deputy Mayor Denies Using Real Firearm

In a statement released on Monday, Kolwapi said the incident, which occurred around 10:30 AM on Sunday, 21 December, in KwaNokuthula township, Plettenberg Bay, was part of her son Tsepiso Martin’s initiation ceremony.

She condemned critics, including rival political parties and community leaders, describing their outrage as a reflection of patriarchal discomfort with women holding positions of ritual authority.

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“The act was a declaration that power held by women can be transformative,” Kolwapi said, framing the gesture as symbolic of female empowerment and cultural leadership.

Controversy Links to Gender-Based Violence Discourse

Kolwapi further connected the symbolic act to South Africa’s ongoing crisis of gender-based violence. She said the toy gun discharge represented “taking back power” and reaffirming that women are custodians of tradition, not mere spectators.

The politician argued that the criticism she faced is politically motivated and tied to longstanding societal biases against women in positions of authority.

SAPS Investigation Underway

Despite her defence, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has charged Kolwapi with pointing a firearm. Authorities are also reviewing additional potential charges, including two counts of discharging a firearm in a public place and reckless endangerment.

Police are continuing to examine footage, interview witnesses, and determine whether the incident violates the Firearm Control Act, which strictly prohibits the celebratory or negligent firing of weapons.

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