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ANC voices concern at political killings before local elections

Published

Ongoing: Elections Hot

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) said it had recorded more than 20 political murders across the country. Police also confirmed the killing of United Democratic Movement councillor Luxolo Namette in Motherwell.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula called for investigations into the killings. He called on police to act. He said the crimes are a direct threat to democracy.

Namette was a former deputy mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay and a UDM councillor. The party condemned his killing. It said the killings cast a shadow over the elections.

Two ANC members were shot dead in Umgababa in October while they campaigned.

Key facts

Who
Fikile Mbalula (ANC spokesperson/secretary-general as described in the article (ANC)); Luxolo Namette (former Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor and UDM councillor, killed in Motherwell); National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (recorded more than 20 political murders across the country); African National Congress (political party condemning the killings)
What
The African National Congress expressed concern over political killings recorded before the local government elections, after the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure said it had recorded more than 20 political murders nationally. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula called for investigations, and police confirmed the killing of UDM councillor Luxolo Namette in Motherwell.
When
8 November 2026
Where
Umgababa, Durban, Bushbuckridge
Status
Reported

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