DA demands mayor remove MMC Thapelo Amad after AfriForum lays charges over viral video.
The DA in Johannesburg has demanded that the City of Johannesburg mayor remove MMC Thapelo Amad over criminal charges from AfriForum, alleging he discharged a firearm in public.
Last month, The Citizen reported that damning footage of a man resembling Amad firing seven shots into the air beside a coffin went viral on social media.
DA demands Amad step down pending investigation
The former Joburg mayor denied it was him, dismissing the video as part of a smear campaign.
The incident resembles the case in which EFF leader Julius Malema faced charges and conviction. Similarly, AfriForum laid criminal charges against Amad relating to the alleged discharge of a firearm in a public and built-up area.
The DA in Johannesburg has now formally written to Mayor Dada Morero, demanding the MMC’s immediate removal pending the outcome of criminal investigations.
DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said Amad’s conduct, if proven in court, would constitute a “serious violation of the law and a direct threat” to public safety.
“The DA is clear that an individual facing allegations of this nature cannot remain in an executive position. This is particularly relevant to a portfolio responsible for social cohesion, community stability, and public trust,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku said in a statement on Monday.
Allegations undermine community development’s mandate – DA
The party said allegations involving the reckless discharge of a firearm undermine the mandate of the community development portfolio and erode public confidence.
In a letter, the DA reminded Morero that he is empowered to appoint and remove members of the mayoral committee.
“We have also pointed to precedent, where political accountability is necessary to safeguard the credibility of governance,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku said.
“The mayor must ensure that the City of Johannesburg is not led by individuals whose conduct brings the institution into disrepute.”
The party has also demanded a strong assurance from the mayor that ethical governance will remain uncompromised.
Amad claims it’s a smear campaign, and it’s not him in video
“Failure to act will signal tolerance for reckless conduct and a disregard for the safety and trust of Johannesburg residents,” the party said.
“The DA will pursue all available oversight and accountability mechanisms should the mayor fail to act with the required urgency.”
According to the Al Jama-ah Facebook page, the alleged incident happened when senior party leaders were attending a funeral in Soweto last August. Amad is currently serving as the party’s leader in Joburg.
When contacted for comment, he requested to see the video. Afterwards, he said: “The person in the video might be looking like me, but is not me.”
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