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DA demands removal of Joburg MMC Thapelo Amad over firearm charges
via The Citizen2 min read
The Democratic Alliance in Johannesburg has called for the immediate removal of MMC Thapelo Amad from his position, following criminal charges laid against him by AfriForum. The charges allege that Amad discharged a firearm in public, stemming from a viral video last month showing a man resembling Amad firing shots into the air next to a coffin. Amad, who is the leader of Al Jama-ah in Joburg, has denied that he is the person in the video, claiming it is a smear campaign. The DA has formally written to Mayor Dada Morero, stating that Amad's conduct, if proven, would be a serious violation of the law and a threat to public safety. DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku emphasized that an individual facing such allegations should not remain in an executive role, particularly one responsible for social cohesion and public trust. The party highlighted that the allegations undermine the community development portfolio's mandate and erode public confidence. The DA reminded Mayor Morero of his power to appoint and remove mayoral committee members and stressed the importance of ethical governance. They warned that failure to act would signal tolerance for reckless conduct and a disregard for the safety and trust of Johannesburg residents.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
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