The Democratic Alliance filed a criminal case Friday against Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee Thapelo Amad for discharging a firearm [2].
The legal action follows an incident where multiple shots were fired during a funeral gathering, raising questions about public safety and the conduct of city officials.
The case was filed on May 22, 2026 [2]. It stems from an event that took place in August 2025 [1] in Lufhereng, Soweto [3]. According to the Democratic Alliance (DA), Amad fired multiple shots at the gathering, an act the party said endangered mourners and violated public safety laws [1].
Amad serves as the MMC for Community Development Planning. The DA said that the discharge of the weapon was a criminal act that warrants prosecution to ensure accountability for those in leadership positions [2].
Al Jama‑ah, the party associated with Amad, has contested the nature of the event. The party said that the shots were ceremonial and should not be treated as a criminal offense [3]. Furthermore, Al Jama‑ah said that no criminal cases had been communicated to the party regarding the matter [3].
The incident occurred in the Lufhereng area of Soweto, where the funeral was held last year [1]. The DA said that the use of a firearm in such a setting is unacceptable regardless of the intended purpose [2].
South African firearm laws strictly regulate the discharge of weapons in public spaces. The outcome of the case will depend on whether the authorities determine the gunfire was a ceremonial tradition or a violation of the Firearms Control Act [1].
“The Democratic Alliance filed a criminal case Friday against Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee Thapelo Amad”
This case highlights the tension between cultural or ceremonial practices and strict public safety legislation in South Africa. By pursuing criminal charges, the DA is attempting to establish a legal precedent that official status does not grant immunity from firearm regulations, while Al Jama‑ah's defense emphasizes the social context of the act.
