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Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has opened a criminal case against the City of Johannesburg’s MMC of Community Development Planning, Cllr Thapelo Amad, for discharging a firearm in public.

Even more concerning than the MMCs conduct, is the indifference from ANC Mayor Morero who has not responded with transparency or any punitive measures to hold the member of his executive to account. This is nothing short of irresponsible leadership as he allows his staff to go rogue.

I laid the charges along with DA Johannesburg Chief Whip, Chris Avant-Smith, DA Johannesburg Shadow MMC of Public Safety, Solomon Maila and DA Johannesburg Caucus Chairperson, Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba.

We recently received information from a reliable source that at 1455 Umhlandlothi Street, Lufhereng, Soweto, a firearm was negligently discharged by Mr Thapelo Amad into the air. See video here.

At the time, the funeral gathering of the late Nomthandazo Gladys Dladla was taking place in the public street. According to the informant, Mr Amad negligently discharged the firearm into the air despite a number of members of the public being present and attending the funeral gathering. In doing so, he endangered their safety with a reckless disregard for their well-being. There was also no good reason for Mr Amad to discharge the firearm.

Video footage of the incident has circulated publicly and depicts Mr Amad firing multiple shots into the air.

The DA believes it is in the public interest that such unlawful conduct be looked into, and steps be taken against the perpetrator, Mr Thapelo Amad, as we request the South African Police Service to make a thorough probe into the matter.

This is including the verification of the video footage, the identification of the firearm allegedly used, and whether the firearm was lawfully possessed and discharged.

The DA requests that the relevant authorities take all necessary steps against the perpetrator, sanctioned by the law arising from their investigation, so that the rule of law and the safety of residents is upheld.

Issued by Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku - DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader