Four individuals have been arrested after a viral social media video allegedly showed women handling and cocking firearms inside a private residence. Photo: SAPS
Four people have been arrested after a video circulating widely on social media showed women allegedly handling and cocking firearms inside a house for social media content. The South African Police Service has issued a formal warning that both those handling the weapons and the registered firearm owner could face criminal charges.
Four individuals have been arrested in connection with a video that spread rapidly across social media platforms including X, TikTok and WhatsApp, allegedly showing women handling and cocking firearms inside a private residence. The South African Police Service confirmed the arrests and identified the four accused as Thandanani Shaun Khumalo, 34, Xolisa Siboto, 22, Lebogang Maji, 23, and Hosiame Chaane, 22. All four face charges of illegal possession, handling and misuse of a firearm.
The video, which appeared to have been created deliberately for social media content, drew immediate public concern and prompted a swift response from law enforcement. SAPS confirmed it had noted the video with serious concern before moving to identify and arrest those involved.
What the Video Shows
The footage, which circulated widely before law enforcement became aware of it, allegedly shows a group of women handling and cocking firearms inside what appears to be a private residence. According to SAPS the women in the video do not appear to be properly trained or authorised to handle firearms. The video was apparently created for social media content purposes and was shared publicly by those involved, drawing immediate reactions from South Africans online who expressed concern about the reckless handling of what appeared to be real firearms in a domestic setting.
SAPS Issues a Stern Warning
Following the arrests SAPS issued a formal public warning addressing both the specific incident and the broader trend of firearms being used irresponsibly for social media content.
“The reckless handling and misuse of firearms pose a serious danger to both the individuals involved and members of the public,” SAPS stated.
Police reminded the public that in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 any person handling or using a firearm must be legally authorised to do so and must be in possession of a valid firearm licence or permit where applicable. Firearm owners also carry a legal responsibility to ensure their weapons are not accessed or used by individuals who do not possess the necessary competency certificates or firearm licences.
The warning extended specifically to the registered owner of the firearm shown in the video. “The registered owner of a firearm may face criminal charges if found to have allowed unauthorised persons access to the firearm,” SAPS stated.
Even a Toy Gun Could Land You in Trouble
SAPS also addressed the possibility that the object shown in the video could be a toy gun, imitation firearm or blank gun rather than a real weapon. Police warned that even in such cases the legal implications could be significant, particularly if the object is used in a manner that creates fear, intimidation or the reasonable perception that it is a real firearm.
This means that even if the women in the video were handling replica or imitation firearms rather than licensed real weapons they could still face criminal charges if the conduct depicted caused a reasonable person to believe they were handling genuine firearms.
Firearms Are Not Props
SAPS used the arrests and the viral video as an opportunity to issue a broader reminder to all South Africans about responsible firearm ownership and handling. “Firearms are not toys and should never be used recklessly, displayed irresponsibly, or handled for entertainment purposes, including for social media content,” the service warned.
The warning reflects a growing concern among law enforcement about the use of firearms , real or imitation as props for social media content. Several similar incidents have been flagged by police in recent years as the trend of using firearms for dramatic effect in videos has grown significantly across South African social media platforms.
Report It
The public is urged to report any illegal possession, misuse or reckless handling of firearms to the nearest police station or anonymously through the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Reports can also be submitted anonymously through the MySAPS App.
Editors Note Thandanani Shaun Khumalo, Xolisa Siboto, Lebogang Maji and Hosiame Chaane are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Investigations into the matter are ongoing. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.