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SACP condemns killing of its ward candidate in Dutywa

Published

Ernest Fipaza, the South African Communist Party's ward candidate in the Mbhashe Local Municipality, was shot dead at his home on Friday. Police opened a murder case, and no arrests have been made.

The party's provincial spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, Xolani Malamlela, has not ruled out a political motive. He said the killing could be politically motivated and that other political parties might be involved. He said the party is not saying any party is responsible.

Malamlela said the party suspects Fipaza died because he was its candidate in the ward. In his words: "We don’t know why this happened, but we suspect because he was our candidate in that rd."

Key facts

Who
Ernest Fipaza (SACP ward candidate in the Mbhashe Local Municipality (victim)); Xolani Malamlela (Provincial SACP spokesperson in the Eastern Cape); South African Communist Party (Political party; condemned the killing)
What
The SACP in the Eastern Cape condemned the killing of its ward candidate Ernest Fipaza, who was shot dead at his home in Dutywa on Friday. Police have opened a murder case and no arrests have been made. A provincial SACP spokesperson has not ruled out a political motive.
When
23 October 2026
Where
Dutywa, Mbhashe Local Municipality, Eastern Cape
Status
Reported

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