A viral video allegedly showing Johannesburg MMC for Community Development and former Johannesburg mayor Thapelo Amad firing multiple shots into the air at a crowded funeral has triggered a growing political, legal and cultural storm, with mounting pressure on police to explain why the investigation remains unresolved months after the incident first surfaced.
The footage, allegedly recorded in August 2025 during the funeral of Nomthandazo Gladys Dladla in Lufhereng, Soweto, appears to show a man believed to be Amad standing among mourners before raising what looks like a firearm and firing several shots into the air in a public street lined with funeral attendees.
The video has circulated widely on social media, triggering criminal complaints from both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and AfriForum, while drawing a vigorous defence from Amad's party, Al Jama-ah.
The controversy comes at a time when South Africa is facing renewed scrutiny over the reckless public use of firearms.
In recent months, EFF leader Julius Malema was convicted for unlawfully discharging a firearm at a political rally, Bitou deputy mayor Nokuzola "Noksi" Kolwapi faced criminal charges after allegedly firing shots into the air during a celebration, and Gauteng police swiftly tracked down suspects linked to a viral firearm video in Tembisa.
The apparent contrast has intensified scrutiny of the Amad matter, with critics questioning why the investigation remains unresolved while other firearm-related cases involving politicians and ordinary citizens have resulted in arrests.
AfriForum has accused authorities of failing to act with the urgency shown in other firearm-related cases.
According to Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum's Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, the handling of the matter risks undermining public confidence in the justice system.
"South Africans have repeatedly seen ordinary citizens identified, tracked down and arrested within days after appearing in viral videos involving firearms. Yet, in this matter, despite clear public attention and widespread concern, there appears to be little urgency. AfriForum will not stand by while different rules are applied to politically connected individuals," said Broodryk.
The organisation said it has repeatedly sought feedback from investigators but remains dissatisfied with the progress of the case.
"Unfortunately, we ourselves have not yet been provided with a case number, even though we have followed up more than once. The matter has now been passed over to the provincial investigation unit, which is already a red flag for us. This would not have happened if this was an ordinary citizen, they would have been arrested and prosecuted," he added.
The DA has also laid criminal charges against Amad, arguing that the alleged conduct endangered members of the public attending the funeral.
DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said the party remains concerned about the incident and expects a thorough investigation.
"The DA can confirm that the criminal case remains active and under investigation. We have been informed by SAPS that the matter is being handled at District level, similar to the AfriForum case as we have requested for it to be investigated by experienced detectives."
She said the complaint relates, among other things, to possible contraventions of Sections 120 and 121 of the Firearms Control Act.
"It is unfortunate that there seems to be a perception from whistle blowers that nothing happens to cases involving politicians. We will continue to cooperate fully with SAPS and await the outcome of the investigation," she said.
Police have confirmed that a criminal case was opened and remains under investigation.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi told The Star: "A case of contravention of the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000 was opened in April 2026 and is still under investigation. Once the investigation is finalised, the docket will be referred to the Senior State Prosecutor (SPP) for decision."
But while critics have framed the matter as a clear-cut firearm offence, Al Jama-ah argues that the public narrative ignores crucial facts, including the cultural setting of the incident and Amad's claim that a blank-firing device, not a live firearm, was used.
The party said the alleged incident occurred before Amad's appointment as MMC and maintains that what appears in the video was not a live firearm, but a blank-firing device used during a funeral ceremony.
In a statement issued on behalf of the party, spokesperson Nisa Hendricks accused political opponents of attempting to tarnish Amad's reputation and undermine his work in Johannesburg.
According to Al Jama-ah, no injuries were reported, no property was damaged and there was no threat to public safety.
The party has further argued that the incident cannot be separated from the cultural context in which it allegedly occurred.
"Funerals remain sacred communal events that reflect identity, spirituality, and dignity, reinforced across generations," the party said.
Al Jama-ah cautioned against what it described as the deliberate misrepresentation of long-standing cultural practices for political gain, arguing that symbolic acts associated with funeral rites in some communities should not automatically be equated with criminal conduct.
The party also rejected calls for Amad's removal from office, arguing that he has not been charged, summonsed or found guilty of any offence.
"The facts remain clear: Cllr Amad has denied the allegations. No formal charge or legal process has been brought against him. No court has made any finding of wrongdoing."
The Star reached out to the Office of Executive Mayor Dada Morero for comment on the matter and whether any internal action would be taken regarding the allegations against Amad. No response had been received by the time of publication.
The Star
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