UDM Councillor Luxolo Namette Shot Dead In Motherwell As Party Fears Political Assassination

A wave of shock has hit the United Democratic Movement (UDM) following the fatal shooting of one of its councillors in Nelson Mandela Bay, with the party raising concerns about a possible political motive.

The victim has been identified as Luxolo Namette, who was killed in Motherwell, Eastern Cape, on Saturday afternoon. The UDM believes his political responsibilities may have played a role in the attack.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that officers discovered the body of a 45-year-old man in Umnulu Street, NU9, at approximately 3.50pm.

The victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the head, and police have since opened a murder docket. No arrests or further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting had been confirmed at the time of reporting.

Luxolo Namette Murder: Police Investigate Fatal Motherwell Shooting

Police have launched an investigation into the killing of the Nelson Mandela Bay councillor following the discovery of his body in Motherwell. Gantana confirmed that investigators were working to establish who was responsible and what may have led to the shooting. "Suspects and motive are under investigation," she said.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the shooting was preceded by any threats or whether there were witnesses to the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, with police yet to provide additional information about possible suspects. The UDM has meanwhile expressed concern that the councillor may have been targeted because of his political involvement.

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UDM Calls For Political Killings Task Team To Investigate Councillor's Death

The UDM's secretary-general, Bulelani Bobotyane, said the organisation was devastated by Namette's death and described him as a committed member who had risen through the party's structures. According to Bobotyane, Namette started his political journey in the UDM Youth Vanguard before becoming a public representative. He later served as chairperson of the municipality's Municipal Public Accounts Committee.

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

The party said it was particularly troubled by the possibility that Namette's killing could have been politically motivated. While acknowledging that the police investigation must establish the circumstances of the murder, the UDM said it could not dismiss the possibility that his public responsibilities made him a target.

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"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 organisation has indicated that it intends to escalate the matter to the Political Killings Task Team, requesting that the investigation receive specialised attention. The UDM wants the circumstances surrounding the councillor's death thoroughly examined, particularly in light of its concerns about a possible political connection.

Nelson Mandela Bay Election Results: UDM Holds Three Council Seats

Namette's murder comes against the backdrop of the 2026 municipal elections, in which the UDM secured 2.41% of the vote in Nelson Mandela Bay. According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa's results dashboard, the party obtained three seats in the municipality. The killing has therefore dealt a blow to the party's local political structures.

The circumstances surrounding Namette's death remain under investigation, with police yet to establish a motive or identify suspects. The UDM's request for the Political Killings Task Team to become involved adds to calls for a thorough investigation. Further developments are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence.