A viral video allegedly showing Johannesburg MMC for Community Development and former Johannesburg mayor Thapelo Amad firing multiple shots into the air at a crowded funeral has triggered a growing political, legal and cultural storm, with mounting pressure on police to explain why the investigation remains unresolved months after the incident first surfaced.
The footage, allegedly recorded in August 2025 during the funeral of Nomthandazo Gladys Dladla in Lufhereng, Soweto, appears to show a man believed to be Amad standing among mourners before raising what looks like a firearm and firing several shots into the air in a public street lined with funeral attendees.
The video has circulated widely on social media, triggering criminal complaints from both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and AfriForum, while drawing a vigorous defence from Amad's party, Al Jama-ah.
The controversy comes at a time when South Africa is facing renewed scrutiny over the reckless public use of firearms.
In recent months, EFF leader Julius Malema was convicted for unlawfully discharging a firearm at a political rally, Bitou deputy mayor Nokuzola "Noksi" Kolwapi faced criminal charges after allegedly firing shots into the air during a celebration, and Gauteng police swiftly tracked down suspects linked to a viral firearm video in Tembisa.
