Former Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor and United Democratic Movement (UDM) councillor Luxolo Namette was shot and killed in Motherwell, Gqeberha, on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that the body of a 45-year-old man was found on Umnulu Street with a gunshot wound to the head.
A murder case has been opened and is being investigated by police in Motherwell.
Gantana said the suspects and motive remain under investigation, adding that further details would be released as the investigation progresses.
The UDM has expressed concern that Namette’s killing may have been politically motivated and has called for an urgent and thorough investigation.
UDM secretary-general Bulelani Bobotyane said the murder had shocked the party and cast a dark shadow over its participation in the recently concluded 2026 Local Government Elections.
Bobotyane said the party would refer the matter to the Political Killings Task Team and request that the killing receive specialised attention.
He emphasised that although the party was concerned about a possible political motive, it did not wish to prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
According to the UDM, Namette began his political journey in the party’s Youth Vanguard, where he became known as an outspoken and spirited young activist.
Namette was elected deputy mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay on 7 June 2021.
In September 2022, he was appointed to the mayoral committee by then-mayor Retief Odendaal, taking responsibility for the economic development, tourism and agriculture portfolio.
He later served as chairperson of the municipality’s Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).
According to The Herald, family members arrived at the crime scene throughout Saturday afternoon, with many visibly overcome by grief.
Namette’s vehicle remained at the scene before being removed by relatives, while politicians from various parties also arrived during the afternoon.
The UDM extended its condolences to Namette’s wife, family, friends and fellow party members.
Police investigations into the murder are continuing.
