United Democratic Movement (UDM) councillor and Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral/PR candidate Luxolo Namette (48) was shot and killed in Motherwell, Gqeberha, this afternoon, Saturday 7 November 2026.
According to official party sources and reports covering statements from the UDM leadership (including statements via UDM secretary-general Bulelani Bobotyane):
Fears of Political Targeting: The UDM expressed grave concern and fear that Namette may have been directly targeted and assassinated because of his active political profile and activities.
Shadow Over Elections: The party highlighted that his tragic killing casts a heavy and dark shadow over the political landscape.
Calls for High-Level Investigation: The UDM announced its intention to escalate the matter to the specialized Political Killings Task Team, demanding that the investigation receive urgent, specialized attention to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that a 48-year-old man’s body was discovered in Umnulu Street, NU9, Motherwell, at approximately 15:50. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Police immediately opened a murder docket, stating that both the suspects and the underlying motive remain under active investigation.
Namette served as a UDM PR councillor in Nelson Mandela Bay and held senior municipal oversight positions, including serving as Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) and as Deputy Mayor during coalition leadership periods.
Namette represented the UDM as a leading mayoral candidate for Nelson Mandela Bay, featuring prominently on party lists for the Eastern Cape and local municipal elections.
Throughout his tenure, his political platform focused on financial oversight, public accountability, service delivery overhaul, municipal police revitalization, and clean governance across the metro.
Originally from Mount Frere, he leaves his wife Mandisa Mramba behind.
