PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Bitou Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi appeared in court briefly this morning on charges relating to the alleged discharge of a firearm in public during her son’s homecoming umgidi cultural celebration on 21 December last year.

Kolwapi addressed a group of supporters outside the court after her appearance. In a video currently circulating on social media, she said the IPM political party was there to serve the community and expressed sadness that her character was being “assassinated”.

Kolwapi said she was not intimidated by social media criticism directed at her. Referring to the well-known slogan “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo” (You strike a woman, you strike a rock), she declared that women are resilient and strong.

She also emphasised that young people are the future leaders of South Africa and said her party respects and values the youth.

The matter, which includes a charge of contravening environmental conservation regulations, was postponed to 6 August for further consultation and for the senior attorney to provide video footage to the defence.

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