PLETTENBERG BAY, Western Cape — Plettenberg Bay Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi has made her second appearance in the local magistrate’s court, facing charges under the Environmental Conservation Act following allegations of discharging a firearm in public.
The charges against the Bitou Municipality deputy mayor stem from an incident that occurred in December during her son’s traditional homecoming ceremony. While the state alleges that a firearm was unlawfully discharged in a public space, Kolwapi maintains that the item in question was merely a toy gun.
During the brief hearing, Kolwapi’s legal representative informed the court that the defense is fully prepared to proceed with setting a trial date. However, the state indicated a procedural hurdle remains: an independent prosecutor from outside the court’s local jurisdiction must be appointed before the matter can legally move forward.
Consequently, the presiding officer postponed the case to 26 August 2026. Addressing the deputy mayor directly, the court stated: “Mrs. Kolwapi, your case is hereby remanded to the 26th of August, 2026, for arranging an independent prosecutor, possibly outside the jurisdiction of this court. You are warned for the date of the 26th of August, 8:30 in the morning, and to remain in attendance until the court excuses you.”
Kolwapi was released and remains out on warning pending her next court appearance.
Outside the courthouse, supporters of Kolwapi’s political party, the Ikhwezi Political Movement (IPM), gathered to show their solidarity. The crowd vocalized their frustration over the ongoing delays, demanding that the matter proceed without further postponements.
Critics of the delay questioned the necessity of bringing in outside counsel for the trial. “She’s been charged under the environmental law of the Western Cape, so let’s get it over and done with it,” one supporter stated, noting that the community has more pressing issues to address with local elections on the horizon.
The supporters characterized the state’s request for an independent prosecutor as deliberate foot-dragging orchestrated by rival political factions. “Some of the political parties are trying to push us away, but it’s not going to happen,” the group asserted. “It’s not going to happen in Plettenberg Bay. We are here to stay.”