Gunfire at a funeral? Amad denies viral video as questions grow

A funeral is meant to be a moment of mourning, reflection, and quiet dignity. But a viral video circulating across South Africa has turned one such gathering into a national talking point and sparked a political storm in the process.

At the centre of it all is Thapelo Amad, who insists the man seen firing multiple shots into the air beside a coffin is not him.

Still, the resemblance has been enough to raise eyebrows and serious questions.

The video that set social media alight

The footage, widely shared online, shows a man dressed in dark clothing standing near a coffin before firing several shots into the air. Moments later, he calmly takes a seat next to Ganief Hendricks, leader of Al Jama-ah.

According to reports linked to the party’s social media pages, the incident allegedly took place at a funeral in Soweto in August last year.

What’s made the video particularly explosive is how closely the man resembles Amad down to details like clothing and appearance on the same day at another event.

“It’s not me,” says Amad

When approached for comment, Amad reportedly requested to see the video before responding.

His answer was firm:
The person in the footage may look like him, but it is not him.

The party has backed that position. A spokesperson reiterated that Amad denies the allegation and believes the video is part of a smear campaign aimed at damaging his reputation.

So far, there’s been no clear indication of whether the party will launch a formal investigation.

Why this moment feels familiar

For many South Africans, this situation feels like déjà vu.

The incident has drawn comparisons to the case involving Julius Malema, who was convicted after firing a rifle in a public setting a moment that sparked national debate about leadership, accountability, and the message politicians send.

There have also been other viral clips in recent years showing public figures discharging firearms during ceremonies or gatherings often defended as cultural expression, but widely criticised as dangerous.

A deeper issue: politics and public behaviour

Political analyst Theo Neethling warns that incidents like this go far beyond one viral clip.

At stake is something bigger:

• Public trust in leadership
• Respect for the rule of law
• The normalisation of risky behaviour in public spaces

When leaders or those perceived to be leaders appear to act recklessly, it sends a powerful message, especially in a country already grappling with high levels of violence.

The real danger behind “celebratory” gunfire

It might look dramatic on video, but firing a gun into the air is anything but harmless.

Experts have long warned that bullets don’t simply disappear they come down, often unpredictably. And when they do, they can injure or kill innocent bystanders.

Criminologist insights in similar cases have repeatedly highlighted this risk, warning that what may seem symbolic can quickly turn tragic.

Social media reaction: divided and heated

Online, reactions have been intense and divided.

Some users are convinced the man in the video is Amad, pointing to similarities in clothing and appearance. Others argue that the clip alone isn’t proof and caution against rushing to judgment.

But across the board, one sentiment stands out:
A growing frustration with public figures being linked to behaviour that appears to flout the law.

Silence, scrutiny, and what comes next

At this stage, there are still more questions than answers:

• If it’s not Amad, who is the man in the video?
• Will authorities investigate the incident?
• And will political parties take a firmer stance on firearm conduct?

The response or lack of one could shape public perception in a significant way.

The bigger picture

South Africa’s relationship with firearms is already complex. High crime rates, combined with ongoing debates about gun control, make any incident like this particularly sensitive.

When politics enters that space, the stakes rise even higher.

Because ultimately, it’s not just about one video.
It’s about the kind of behaviour society is willing to accept and who gets held accountable.

Whether the man in the video is Thapelo Amad or not, the controversy has already done its work: it’s forced a national conversation.

About leadership.
About responsibility.
And about the thin line between cultural expression and public safety.

Now, all eyes are on what happens next.