UDM councillor and former deputy mayor shot dead

A United Democratic Movement (UDM) councillor, Luxolo Namette, has been shot and killed in Motherwell, Gqeberha.

The incident happened on Saturday afternoon, just days after the 2026 local government elections held on Wednesday, 4 November.

UDM COUNCILLOR SHOT DEAD IN GQEBERHA

UDM secretary-general Bulelani Bobotyane said the incident had cast a dark shadow over the party’s participation in the 2026 Local Government Elections, which had only just concluded.

Bobotyane said what should have been a time for reflecting on the hard work and sacrifices of party members had instead been overshadowed by a senseless act of violence.

Namette, who is aa former deputy mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, has been described as a jovial, quick-witted and intelligent man who was never short of an opinion.

“He was one of our own, and his murder has shaken us to the core. We call for an urgent and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his murder.

“We are deeply concerned that this may have been a politically motivated killing. 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.

“The UDM will urgently escalate this matter to the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and request that it receives the specialised attention it warrants,” Bobotyane said.

LGE 2026 | UDM secretary-general Bulelani Bobotyane says the party is devastated by the death of former Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor and councillor Luxolo Namete, who was shot and killed in Motherwell today. pic.twitter.com/DxfAJPjmo4

— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 7, 2026

PARTY EXPECTS SAPS TO LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED

The UDM said it expected SAPS to leave no stone unturned in establishing the motive for the killing and ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice.

“Political differences must never be settled through the barrel of a gun. No public representative should have to fear for their life because of their political affiliation or the duties they perform in service of their communities.

“Our hearts go out to Councillor Namette’s wife, his family, friends and fellow UDM members. We extend our deepest condolences to them as they grapple with this devastating loss.

“We know that no words can ease their pain, but we want them to know that the entire UDM family shares in their grief,” the party said.