Leader’s dedication defended as Al Jama-ah issues directive on Amad

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Al Jama-ah has decided to place a ‘hands-off’ directive regarding Thapelo Amad due to what they describe as persistent efforts to damage the name, integrity, and reputation of their leader.

They assert that the leader continues to serve the residents of Johannesburg with dedication, bravery, and excellence.

Amad is currently under criminal investigation due to allegations related to discharging a firearm in public. At the time, the funeral gathering of the late Nomthandazo Gladys Dladla was taking place in the public street.

This serious incident has prompted the Democratic Alliance (DA) to formally open a criminal case against the City of Johannesburg’s MMC of Community Development Planning.

The role of MMC for Community Development is critical, as it entails fostering safe and stable communities; thus, the reckless use of firearms by Amad jeopardizes this responsibility and erodes public trust.

The mayor possesses the legal authority to intervene under Section 60, raising the pertinent question of whether he will exercise this power in light of the circumstances surrounding the case.

“According to the informant, Amad negligently discharged the firearm into the air despite a number of members of the public being present and attending the funeral gathering.

🚓🚨The Democratic Alliance in Johannesburg is at the Protea North Police Station to lay a criminal case against MMC of Community Development, Cllr Thapelo Amad for the recklessly discharging of a firearm at a funeral, in public.#Zille4Mayor #BelieveInJoburg pic.twitter.com/pMHxb8WvSk

— DA Joburg Caucus (@DA_JHB) May 22, 2026

“In doing so, he endangered their safety with a reckless disregard for their well-being. There was also no good reason for Amad to discharge the firearm.

“Video footage of the incident has circulated publicly and depicts Amad firing multiple shots into the air,” the DA said.

Al Jama-ah said these developments arise at a critical moment when Amad has been actively working alongside the executive mayor to implement decisive interventions aimed at restoring order within the Johannesburg CBD.

“These efforts form part of a broader by-law enforcement programme focused on reclaiming the inner city, addressing illegal structures, improving public safety, and restoring dignity for all residents.

“Instead of supporting these necessary efforts to rebuild Johannesburg, the Democratic Alliance (DA), together with allied lobby groups, has escalated its campaign against Cllr Amad.

“On 21 May, the DA issued a media advisory confirming its intention to lay criminal charges against him, with the matter reportedly scheduled to be opened on 22 May at Protea North SAPS.

“The allegations relate to a viral video connected to an alleged incident said to have occurred in mid-2025—allegations that Cllr. Amad has consistently denied it and described it as part of a politically motivated smear campaign,” Al Jama-ah media officer Sinazo Mtshengu said.

Mtshengu revealed that in formal correspondence addressed to the executive mayor on 5 May, Amad placed on record that no formal criminal process had been initiated against him.

Al Jama-ah condemns manipulation

Adding that Amad confirmed that he had neither been charged, summonsed, nor contacted by SAPS regarding the matter.

She added, “Importantly, the alleged incident predates his appointment as MMC in 2026 and relates to a funeral context where, according to his account, a blank-firing device—and not a live firearm—was used as part of a symbolic act.

“No injuries, damage to property, or threats to public safety were reported. Al Jama-ah strongly cautions against the deliberate misrepresentation of long-standing cultural practices for narrow political gain.

“Across many South African communities, funeral rites are deeply rooted in culture, heritage, and tradition.

“In certain contexts, symbolic acts—historically including the use of non-lethal ceremonial devices—are understood as expressions of respect, honour, and farewell.”

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Mtshengu emphasized that Al Jama-ah values the rule of law and public safety but cautioned against distorting cultural context to create politically convenient narratives that are factually incomplete.

“To equate such context—or untested allegations—with definitive criminal conduct, absent due legal process, is irresponsible and harmful to social cohesion.

“The DA’s public calls for the removal of Amad, coupled with its decision to pursue criminal charges through media spectacle, undermine the fundamental principle of innocent until proven guilty and reinforce a troubling pattern of trial by media,” she remarked.