POLITICAL HIT? | UDM councillor shot dead after elections

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) fears a political motive behind the murder of its Nelson Mandela Bay councillor, Luxolo Namette, who died in a shooting in Motherwell, Gqeberha, on Saturday, 7 November.

The killing comes just three days after South Africa’s municipal elections, with the party now demanding a specialised police investigation.

Police investigate Motherwell murder

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said officers found the body of a 45-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the head in Umnulu Street, NU9, at approximately 15:50.

“Suspects and motive are under investigation,” Gantana said.

SAPS Motherwell has opened a murder case and will release further details as the investigation progresses.

UDM fears political hit

UDM secretary-general Bulelani Bobotyane called on the Political Killings Task Team to investigate whether Namette’s political activities played a role in his death.

“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,” Bobotyane said.

Police have not confirmed a political motive.

Political killings under scrutiny

Namette’s murder follows a string of killings involving political figures during the election period.

On 1 November, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) reported 20 murders involving political representatives, party members and supporters. Police had made seven arrests.

In August, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the Political Killings Task Team had taken over the investigation into the murder of ANC councillor Sibusiso Khwela in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The PKTT will lead and coordinate the investigation,” Mathe said at the time.

The UDM now wants the same specialised attention for Namette’s case.

The former deputy mayor began his political career in the UDM Youth Vanguard before serving as chairperson of Nelson Mandela Bay’s Municipal Public Accounts Committee.

“He was one of our own, and his murder has shaken us to the core,” Bobotyane said.