UDM ward councillor Luxolo Namette was fatally shot in NU9, Motherwell, Gqeberha, on 7 November 2026. Police found his body on Umnulu Street at about 15:50 with a gunshot wound to the head. An official murder docket has been opened, and investigations are ongoing.
The victim, identified by the United Democratic Movement as 45 years old, was found deceased in broad daylight. Eastern Cape police spokesman Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that suspects and motive remain under investigation. “A murder case has been opened and is being investigated by the police in Motherwell,” Gantana said during a media briefing.
The UDM expressed concerns that Namette’s killing could be politically motivated, pointing to his public role. Bulelani Bobotyane, UDM secretary-general, said, “While we do not wish to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, we cannot ignore the possibility that councillor Namette was targeted because of his political activities or his responsibilities as a public representative.”
Reports consistently locate the shooting in NU9, with police recovering the body from Umnulu Street. The precise age of Namette is not fully confirmed, with some sources indicating 45 and others 48. Conflicting accounts about whether Namette was a former deputy mayor also remain unverified. There is no official confirmation from police that the killing was politically motivated, and no suspects have yet been publicly named.
Namette’s death adds to a worrying pattern of violence affecting political figures in the region. The UDM has pledged to refer the case to the Political Killings Task Team. The investigation continues with police actively following leads to establish a motive and apprehend those responsible.
At this stage, key facts confirmed by police include the date, time, location, and nature of the fatal shooting. The full circumstances and potential political links are under strict investigation. Cape Flats News will update readers as further verified details emerge.