UDM Councillor Luxolo Namette Assassinated in Nelson Mandela Bay
The 45-year-old councillor was fatally shot in Motherwell, sparking fears of political targeting.
1Fatal Shooting in Motherwell
Luxolo Namette, a 45-year-old United Democratic Movement councillor, was murdered on Saturday afternoon in Motherwell, Gqeberha. Police discovered his body on Umnulu Street in the NU9 area at approximately 3:50pm. He sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head, and the perpetrators currently remain at large following the violent attack.
2Political Career Background
Namette began his political journey as a spirited activist within the UDM Youth Vanguard. He later served as a public representative and held the position of chairperson for the Municipal Public Accounts Committee during the previous administration. His colleagues remember him as a dedicated official who prioritized the community's urgent needs.
3Party Concerns Over Motive
The UDM leadership, including secretary-general Bulelani Bobotyane, expressed deep shock over the assassination. While the official motive remains unknown, the party fears Namette was targeted specifically due to his political activities or his responsibilities as a public representative. They emphasize that this tragedy casts a dark shadow over recent elections.
4Escalation to Task Team
To ensure a thorough investigation, the UDM intends to escalate the case to the Political Killings Task Team. The party is requesting specialized attention for the murder, aiming to uncover whether the act was politically motivated. They have stated they do not wish to prejudge the investigation but remain highly concerned.
5Police Investigation Efforts
Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata has pledged that authorities will leave no stone unturned in their search for suspects. The police have opened a formal murder docket and promised to assign seasoned detectives to the case. Currently, no arrests have been made, and the investigation into suspects continues.
6Recent Election Context
The UDM recently secured three seats in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro following the 2026 municipal elections. According to the official IEC results dashboard, the party achieved 2.41% of the total vote in the region. Namette’s death occurs during a sensitive period as the party establishes its new legislative presence.
7Family Impact and Grief
The victim's father, Thembelani Namette, expressed profound devastation upon receiving news of his son's death while attending church. He described Luxolo as a kind individual who cared for others beyond his own family. Namette leaves behind a wife and children, with his father struggling to process the sudden, violent loss.
8Broader Security Implications
The assassination of a public representative highlights ongoing security challenges for local government officials in the Eastern Cape. As the Political Killings Task Team prepares to intervene, the focus remains on whether this incident represents a broader trend of violence against councillors. Future stability depends on the swift resolution of this case.
Original article: SABC News — UDM Councillor Luxolo Namette Assassinated in Nelson Mandela Bay