Civil rights organisation AfriForum has laid a criminal complaint with the South African Police Service against Johannesburg mayoral committee member Thapelo Amad for allegedly contravening the Firearms Control Act, just two weeks after the controversial sentencing of EFF leader Julius Malema who was found guilty of firing a firearm in public.

Amad, a former mayor of Johannesburg who currently serves as member of the mayoral committee for Community Development, allegedly fired multiple shots into the air during a funeral in Soweto in August last year. A video of the incident circulated on social media earlier this month.

AfriForum has requested that police investigate five charges against Amad under the Firearms Control Act, including the unlawful possession of a firearm, the unlawful possession of ammunition, the discharge of a firearm in a built-up area without good reason, the failure to take reasonable precautions in handling a firearm to protect persons or property, and the discharge of a firearm with reckless disregard for the safety or property of a person.

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According to Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s chief spokesperson for community safety, the organisation filed the complaint in response to the alleged failure of law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident and take action against the suspect.

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“It is disappointing that some politicians and politically connected individuals still think it is acceptable to endanger the lives of civilians for the so-called purpose of entertainment. We have seen this in the case of the EFF leader Julius Malema, and the law must be applied consistently – without fear, favour or political bias,” Broodryk said.

He added that failure to act against such behaviour contributes to a culture of impunity. “When political leaders act recklessly and face no consequences, it sends a clear message that lawlessness is tolerated. That is a message South Africa simply cannot afford. Reckless firearm use is not a trivial matter – it is potentially deadly, and those who engage in it must be held accountable.”

AfriForum said it would continue to monitor developments in the case and take further steps if necessary to ensure accountability.

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