The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

A month after the South African Police Service (SAPS) began the facial identification process involving Thapelo Amad, former Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, there has still been no meaningful progress in the investigation into Amad’s alleged reckless handling of a firearm. In a letter, AfriForum insists that the SAPS provide clarity on the status of the criminal case against the politician.

The matter stems from a video that was widely circulated on social media in April this year. Amad, a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development in Johannesburg, allegedly appears in the video discharging a firearm in a public place. At the time, AfriForum lodged a criminal complaint with the SAPS, alleging contraventions of the Firearms Control Act.

According to correspondence from the SAPS to AfriForum on 1 June and 22 June respectively, an investigating officer was appointed, after which the suspect was to be approached for facial identification. Since then, no further feedback has been received despite several requests for updates.

“The law must be applied equally to everyone. When an ordinary citizen is suspected of contravening the Firearms Control Act, the authorities act swiftly. It is therefore unacceptable that this investigation continues to drag on without any visible progress or explanation,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety.

Earlier this year, the SAPS itself took a firm stance against the reckless handling of firearms after a video of two women playing with firearms circulated on social media. At the time, the SAPS warned that the reckless use of firearms posed a serious danger to the public, and arrests followed shortly afterwards. AfriForum believes that the same principles should be applied consistently, regardless of who the suspect is.

“This case is not about the identity of the individual, but about the consistency and credibility of the criminal justice system. When the law is applied selectively or investigations are inexplicably delayed, it undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system,” Broodryk adds.

AfriForum has requested that the SAPS provide feedback on, among other things, whether Amad has already submitted a written statement. AfriForum will continue to monitor the matter and insist that the SAPS fulfils its duties without fear, favour or prejudice.

Issued by AfriForum