Kolwapi’s response on firing a gun in public is arrogant: SACP

Bitou Municipality Deputy mayor and Ikhwezi Political Party Movement leader, Nokuzola Kolwapi.

The SACP says the Bitou Deputy Mayor‘s response to criticism over a video showing her allegedly firing a gun in public is arrogant and lacks remorse.

In a statement, the party says Councillor Nokuzola Kolwapi’s conduct is unbecoming and irresponsible for a senior public office bearer.

Kolwapi was seen in a widely circulated video at the weekend, firing a gun at a ceremony to celebrate her son’s return from initiation in KwaNokuthula in Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape.

The party also called out both Kolwapi and the Bitou Municipality for their statements on the matter, saying it lacked seriousness and accountability.

Kolwapi’s Ikhwezi Peoples Movement is a coalition partner of the DA-run Bitou Municipality.

Ikhwezi Political Movement leader, Nokuzola Kolwapi has reacted to a video depicting her discharging a firearm. She says it was a toy gun and the incident was not a threat to anyone but “a declaration that power, when held by women, can be transformative”#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/yp42xKtcv4

— Sphiwe Hobasi (@MrCow_man) December 22, 2025

ANC Western Cape provincial spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni says they will push for the removal of Kolwapi.

Charges have been laid against Kolwapi and police are investigating the incident.

WATCH | ANC Western Cape provincial spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni says they will push for the removal of the Deputy Mayor of Bitou Municipality, Nokuzola Kolwapi, after a video showing her allegedly discharging a firearm during a welcome home ceremony for initiates. pic.twitter.com/PtMVDRtFCt

— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 22, 2025