“He Didn’t Learn From Malema”: SA Man Fires Gun in Public, Mzansi Calls for His Arrest

• An Instagram video shared on 5 August 2026 showed a man firing a gun into the air from the back of a moving bakkie in South Africa
• The identity of the man and the exact location of the incident remain unknown, but the footage quickly drew public concern online
• South Africans watching the clip called for the man’s arrest, drawing comparisons to Julius Malema’s firearm discharge conviction

A video shared on Instagram on 5 August 2026 showing a man discharging a firearm from the back of a moving bakkie has alarmed South Africans, with many calling for the person involved to be arrested.

The clip, shared by Instagram user @jm.mosha, shows a man firing what appears to be a gun into the air without any apparent provocation. The exact location of the incident is unknown, and the man’s identity has not been confirmed.

What the law says about discharging a firearm

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In South Africa, the reckless or negligent discharge of a firearm is a serious criminal offence. Under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, it is illegal to discharge a firearm in a public space or in a manner that could endanger others. Offenders can face hefty fines or imprisonment. Firing a weapon into the air may seem harmless, but bullets travel significant distances and can cause fatal injuries upon descent.

The incident drew immediate comparisons online to Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, who was convicted for discharging a firearm at a rally. Malema was found guilty for the offence, a case that became a landmark reminder that no one is above the law when it comes to reckless firearm use in South Africa.

Watch the video that sparked the public outcry: See the clip on Instagram.

Mzansi demands accountability

South Africans in the comments section were quick to react, with many calling for the authorities to act:

@mongo_thee1st said:

“Investigation pending.”

@sanseix warned:

“He just signed his warrant of arrest. 🚔”

@obkspitter added:

“He didn’t learn from Julius.”

@qmagubane_ raised a safety concern:

“What if these bullets hurt someone who is minding his own business?”

More South Africans facing firearm charges

• South African Police Service (SAPS) officer Sergeant Fannie Nkosi was arrested on 2 April 2026.
• The Deputy Mayor of Bitou Municipality, Nokuzola Kolwapi, will face charges after allegedly firing a firearm in public last year.
• Julius Malema has been handed a five-year direct prison sentence after being convicted over the public discharge of a firearm.

Source: Briefly News