PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Bitou ANC Ward 5 Councillor Samkele Mangxaba has indicated that he intends to request the intervention of Provincial MEC Anton Bredell regarding the alleged firearm incident involving Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi.

In a letter addressed to Bitou Speaker Mavis Busakwe, Mangxaba gave notice of his intention to escalate the matter to the MEC. He alleges that Kolwapi discharged a firearm during her son's umgidi celebration on Sunday 21 December.

Mangxaba also raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, noting that Speaker Busakwe was present at the event. He suggested this could affect the impartial handling of the matter by the council.

"It is a matter of public record that you were present at the scene during the incident. Furthermore, the available footage does not reflect any intervention, objection, or attempt on your part to stop or condemn the alleged conduct at the time it occurred," Mangxaba said.

"This raises a legitimate apprehen-sion of bias and, at the very least, places your office in a conflicted position in adjudicating or presiding over the matter."

He described the alleged firearm discharge as "reckless, negligent, and unlawful" and stated that it was circulated publicly through video footage. He said the incident could constitute contraventions of the Firearms Control Act of 2000, the Code of Conduct for Councillors under the Municipal Systems Act, as well as relevant Bitou Municipality by-laws relating to public safety and conduct.

He emphasised the broader context of gun violence in South Africa and the importance of accountability: "Any act that normalises or trivialises the use of firearms by public representatives poses a direct threat to public safety and undermines the rule of law.

"Silence or inaction by leadership would amount to turning a blind eye to conduct that is both illegal and deeply irresponsible."

Mangxaba said he would escalate the matter to the MEC should the council fail to act decisively, lawfully and impartially.

Responding to questions on 23 December, Busakwe acknowledged the incident and said the council would address it through established procedures once it reconvened.

"The matter will be considered and addressed through the appropriate council processes, in accordance with the law and established governance procedures.

The council respects the rule of law and will allow due process to take its course," she said.

Further comment from Busakwe is being sought and will be added when received.

Read previous articles:

• Council recess means wait for gun discussion
• Ratepayers reject deputy mayor’s statement
• The making of "Malema II"
• Deputy mayor gunfire: Taurus pistol or toy replica?

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