Two ANC members were fatally shot and three others critically injured during a door-to-door campaign in Area 24, Umgababa, south of Durban on 15 October 2026. The KwaZulu-Natal police opened two murder and three attempted murder cases following the attack, which involved gunfire from occupants of a white Isuzu bakkie, according to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
One of the victims was ANC Ward 98 election coordinator Lungani Makhathini. The incident unfolded as the group was approached by the bakkie and fired upon using rifles and pistols. Three other volunteers were wounded and rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Premier Thami Ntuli condemned the killings in a statement released on 16 October 2026, urging law enforcement to identify and arrest those responsible. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and to everyone affected by this tragedy. We also wish the injured woman a speedy recovery,” he said.
The motive behind the attack remains unknown, but authorities have not ruled out political intolerance. The ANC eThekwini regional convenor Thabani Nyawose confirmed the deaths of the branch coordinator and a volunteer during the shooting on ward 98.
This violent incident occurred just weeks before the upcoming local government elections in KwaZulu-Natal, a province that has experienced election-related violence and intimidation in the past. Police continue their investigation to establish further details and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
As of this report, the identities of all injured individuals beyond the three hospitalised remain unverified, and the exact number of assailants involved has not been conclusively confirmed. Efforts to locate the two missing bodyguards mentioned in some unverified reports are ongoing.
Cape Flats News journalist will monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.