UDM councillor shot dead in Gqeberha
Luxolo Namette, a former deputy mayor, was killed days after the 2026 local government elections.
United Democratic Movement (UDM) councillor Luxolo Namette was shot and killed in Motherwell, Gqeberha, on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred just days after the 2026 local government elections, which concluded on Wednesday, November 4.
UDM secretary-general Bulelani Bobotyane stated that the killing has cast a dark shadow over the party's election participation and expressed concern that it may have been politically motivated. Namette, a former deputy mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, was described as jovial, quick-witted, and intelligent. The UDM plans to escalate the matter to the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
The UDM expects the South African Police Service (SAPS) to thoroughly investigate the motive behind the killing and bring those responsible to justice. The party extended its condolences to Namette's wife, family, friends, and fellow UDM members, emphasizing that political differences should not be resolved through violence.
Why it mattersThe killing of UDM councillor Luxolo Namette raises concerns about political violence and the safety of public representatives in South Africa.