18 political parties to share power in Nelson Mandela Bay council

A councilor from the United Democratic Movement (UDM) was fatally shot in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, raising concerns about political violence. The victim, identified as Luxolo Namette, was a 45-year-old UDM councillor from Motherwell. The Eastern Cape police confirmed the discovery of Namette's body in Umnulu Street, NU9, on Saturday afternoon.

Police have launched a murder investigation and are looking into the suspects and motive behind the killing. UDM secretary-general Bulelani Bobotyane expressed shock and sorrow over Namette's murder, stating that the party considers the killing to be politically motivated. Bobotyane noted that Namette had a distinguished career within the UDM, starting as a youth leader and eventually chairing the Municipal Public Accounts Committee.

The UDM has requested the Political Killings Task Team to address the matter urgently, fearing that Namette's murder may have been targeted due to his political activities or role as a public representative. The UDM performed comparatively well in the 2026 municipal elections, securing 2.41% of the vote and three seats.