AfriForum warns against two-tier justice system in politician’s firearm case
AfriForum has warned that double standards will not be accepted in how the law is applied in the criminal case against politician Thapelo Amad. The organisation is referring to apparent delays and a lack of urgency following the investigation into a video in which Amad allegedly recklessly discharged a firearm in public. In the video, a man, who appears to be Amad – a mayoral committee member for Community Development in Johannesburg – fires several shots into the air at a funeral in Soweto. The video was allegedly taken in August last year and has since gone viral.
More than a month after AfriForum laid criminal charges regarding the contravention of the Firearms Control Act against Amad, there has still been no decisive action, despite widespread public outrage over the footage. Although the South African Police Service (SAPS) members who initially assisted in opening the case acted professionally, progress since then has been alarmingly slow and feedback on the investigation has been minimal. AfriForum has now been informed that the matter has been transferred to the Provincial Investigation Unit.
According to Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, the handling of the matter creates the impression that politically connected individuals are being shielded from accountability.
“South Africans have repeatedly seen ordinary citizens identified, tracked down and arrested within days after appearing in viral videos involving firearms. Yet, in this matter, despite clear public attention and widespread concern, there appears to be little urgency. AfriForum will not stand by while different rules are applied to politically connected individuals,” says Broodryk.
He pointed to recent incidents where swift arrests followed viral firearm-related videos, including cases where additional charges were pursued against individuals linked to the firearms involved.
“The police have already demonstrated that they can act swiftly when they want to. The question is why that same urgency suddenly disappears when a politician is involved. South Africans are tired of a two-tier justice system where ordinary citizens face immediate consequences while politically connected figures appear to receive special treatment.”
AfriForum has called on the SAPS to publicly clarify the status of the investigation, explain the delays and assure the public that political interference is not influencing the matter.
“If the law is applied selectively, public trust in the criminal justice system collapses. No one is above the law, regardless of political position or influence. AfriForum will continue to monitor this case closely to ensure that this matter is not quietly swept aside,” concludes Broodryk.
