Councillor Under Investigation After Gun Pulled During Rustenburg Meeting

A Rustenburg ward councillor is facing public backlash and police investigation after allegedly pulling out a firearm during a community meeting on service delivery. The incident, which took place at Meriting Hall in Meriting Extension 2, has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about local political accountability.

Councillor Zenzele Xhinela of Ward 41 in the Rustenburg Local Municipality is accused of threatening residents with a gun when discussions over poor service delivery escalated. ActionSA and residents have condemned the incident, calling for his immediate arrest and removal from office.

Anc ward councillor in ward 41, Rustenburg,shooting at community members of his ward!@EFFSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/9cwHulIxE1

— MphoDibakoane (@mpho_shambie) April 6, 2025

Community meeting turns volatile

Witnesses say the confrontation began when frustrated community members questioned Xhinela about ongoing service delivery failures. When he failed to provide clear answers, tensions flared. Residents claim that since Xhinela’s election, the ward has seen a decline in basic services.

According to those in attendance, the councillor reacted aggressively during the argument and, in a shocking turn, allegedly drew a pistol before driving away—still visibly armed. Enraged residents later burned tyres outside the venue to protest his actions.

Police investigating multiple charges

Local police confirmed that three criminal cases have been opened in connection with the incident. These include charges of public violence, malicious damage to property, intimidation, and pointing a firearm. Public order police were dispatched to restore calm in the area.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, residents say Xhinela has not yet been arrested. This delay has further angered the community, with some individuals expressing fear for their safety while the councillor remains free.

ActionSA calls for urgent disciplinary action

Paul Chirwa, ActionSA’s Bojanala West regional chairperson, condemned the councillor’s behaviour, saying it poses a direct threat to public safety.

“The Bojanala West REC condemns Councillor Zet Xhinela’s unacceptable behaviour towards the community that voted him into municipal office. He is a danger to society and harsher action must be taken against him,” said Chirwa.

Chirwa urged the ANC’s regional executive committee to take immediate disciplinary steps and vowed that ActionSA would escalate the issue to the provincial executive, as well as the MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs, Saliva Molapisi.

Growing pressure on ANC to act

The incident has intensified pressure on the ANC to hold its members accountable, especially in municipalities where residents already face unreliable service delivery. Community members continue to demand answers—and justice—while the political fallout unfolds.