ON
← Back to feed
KwaZulu-Natal political killings: Two ANC members shot dead in Umgababa
ZA🏛️ PoliticsCenteryesterday

KwaZulu-Natal political killings: Two ANC members shot dead in Umgababa

Two members of the African National Congress (ANC), Lungani Makhathini and Nokuthula Mavundla, were shot dead during a campaign event in Umgababa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on 15 October 2026. They were part of a team of three ANC volunteers conducting a door-to-door campaign, accompanied by two bodyguards, when they were allegedly ambushed by gunmen in a white Isuzu bakkie. The attackers fired weapons without warning, killing both ANC members and injuring another volunteer before fleeing the scene. The ANC condemned the attack as an 'unprovoked act of violence' and called it an 'act of pure wickedness,' emphasizing that such acts have no place in the political landscape. Police have launched an investigation into the murders, noting that political intolerance cannot be ruled out as a potential motive. This incident follows previous attacks against ANC figures, including Makhathini himself, who had survived an earlier assassination attempt.

Two African National Congress (ANC) members were shot dead and a third was injured during a door-to-door political campaign in Umgababa, south of Durban, on Thursday afternoon, October 15, 2026. The victims identified as Lungani Makhathini, a local councillor and ward 98 coordinator, and 28-year-old Nokuthula Mavundla, a branch activist. They were part of a group of three ANC volunteers accompanied by two bodyguards when they were allegedly ambushed by gunmen traveling in a white Isuzu bakkie. Police have opened two counts of murder and three of attempted murder in connection with the incident, which occurred in Area 24 of the municipality. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, stated that the occupants of the vehicle opened fire on the group using rifles and pistols without uttering a word. Makhathini and Mavundla died at the scene. A third female ANC member sustained injuries to her leg while fleeing the attackers and was transported to a hospital. The two bodyguards fled the scene and remained unaccounted for at the time of reporting. Netshiunda noted that while the specific motive for the attack was not yet known, political intolerance could not be ruled out. The ANC provincial executive condemned the killings as an unprovoked act of violence and wickedness. In a statement, the party described the incident as a ruthless, cold-blooded act and asserted that ambushing unarmed individuals exercising their constitutional rights demonstrated a complete absence of human decency. The party vowed that it would not be deterred or silenced by what it termed ruthless criminals. The ANC called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible and requested that specialized law enforcement resources be deployed to track down the perpetrators. The party also appealed to witnesses in Umgababa and surrounding areas to come forward with information to aid investigators. Makhathini had previously survived assassination attempts. Reports indicated that in early 2025, he was ambushed by gunmen while traveling with his family. Another attack in February 2026 left Makhathini seriously wounded and resulted in the death of Sipho Smiso Dlamini, an ANC councillor and branch convenor. Beyond his political roles, Makhathini served as the chairperson of the school governing body at Mnganiwakhe High School and held the position of induna, or headman, under the Umnini Trust traditional authority. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in KwaZulu-Natal responded to the shootings by calling for the establishment of a dedicated Political Killings Task Team. The party urged authorities to investigate the incident and any related cases thoroughly, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice. The MK Party also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured volunteer a full recovery, asking officials to handle the matter with sensitivity. This incident occurs amidst growing fears of a resurgence in political violence in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026. The Umgababa killings follow the death of Nelisile Cindi, an MK party activist, who was ambushed and killed at her rural village of Phepheni in Highflats the previous week. According to reports, an unidentified man knocked on Cindi’s door and shot her dead when she opened it. Other high-profile attacks have marked the period leading up to the elections. Last week, Samora Ndlovu, a former ANC mayor of Richmond and former secretary-general of the party’s Moses Mabhida region, survived an assassination attempt after being shot in an ambush on the R56 highway near Richmond. In late September, Lucky Sokhela, an IFP councillor candidate in the uMshwathi local municipality, was shot dead shortly after arriving home. Allegedly, unknown assailants followed him in a Volkswagen vehicle. Earlier in August, another IFP councillor candidate was ambushed at his home in Ophindweni, under the uMlalazi local municipality. He was shot multiple times in front of his family, including his children. That same month, ANC councillor Sibusiso Cedric Khwela was shot dead during a meeting with community members in Klaarwater, within the eThekwini metropolitan area. The attacker allegedly approached the gathering before opening fire. Statistics cited by media reports indicate that 18 councillors had been assassinated in KwaZulu-Natal since the 2021 local government elections, with five of those deaths occurring in the eThekwini metro. Additionally, three Inkatha Freedom Party councillor candidates were killed in separate incidents in the province in September. These figures underscore the persistent tension surrounding electoral politics in the region. The ANC has extended its condolences to the families, friends, and comrades of the two volunteers killed, stating that their contributions to the liberation struggle and community development would not be forgotten. The party pledged to honor the memory of the deceased by ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law. Meanwhile, the broader political landscape in KwaZulu-Natal remains tense as parties continue their campaigns in the weeks leading up to the vote.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

Go to the primary sources (2)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

7 reports

Mail & Guardian logoMail & GuardianIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 922 days ago
KwaZulu-Natal political killings: Two ANC members shot dead in Umgababa

Two members of the African National Congress (ANC), Lungani Makhathini and Nokuthula Mavundla, were shot dead during a campaign event in Umgababa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on 15 October 2026. They were part of a team of three ANC volunteers conducting a door-to-door campaign, accompanied by two bodyguards, when they were allegedly ambushed by gunmen in a white Isuzu bakkie. The attackers fired weapons without warning, killing both ANC members and injuring another volunteer before fleeing the scene. The ANC condemned the attack as an 'unprovoked act of violence' and called it an 'act of pure wickedness,' emphasizing that such acts have no place in the political landscape. Police have launched an investigation into the murders, noting that political intolerance cannot be ruled out as a potential motive. This incident follows previous attacks against ANC figures, including Makhathini himself, who had survived an earlier assassination attempt.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the facts of the killings and includes direct quotes from the ANC condemning the violence, as well as statements from the police. It does not exhibit overt bias toward either side, providing balanced information without editorializing or favoring one perspective over another.

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports the incident involving the shooting of two ANC members in KwaZulu-Natal. It provides specific names, roles, and details of the attack, as well as the ANC's condemnation of the violence. The information is well-supported and aligns with the principles outlined in the Fr

Why objectivity (92): The article presents the event in a balanced manner, quoting the ANC's statements and providing context without showing favoritism toward any political entity. The language used is factual and avoids emotional or biased commentary.

IOL (Independent Online) logoIOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 855 days ago
ANC calls for arrests after two campaign volunteers killed in shooting

The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for a fatal shooting that occurred during a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa, south of Durban. The incident resulted in the deaths of two ANC volunteers and injuries to others. According to police reports, the victims were targeted by occupants of a white Isuzu bakkie who fired upon them with rifles and pistols. This event adds to a growing pattern of political violence in the region, where multiple political figures have been killed since the 2021 local government elections. In response, the ANC has condemned the attack as a 'barbaric and cowardly' act against unarmed civilians engaged in democratic processes and has called for specialized law enforcement resources to investigate the case. The MK Party has also advocated for the establishment of a dedicated task force to address political killings.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the facts of the shooting and includes direct quotes from the ANC regarding the incident. It does not exhibit overt bias toward any particular political side but rather focuses on the event itself and the ANC's response. There is no indication of loaded language or one-sidedness

Why factuality (90): The article provides detailed information about the shooting of two ANC volunteers in Umgababa, including police statements, the involvement of a white Isuzu bakkie, and the number of casualties. These facts are corroborated by other articles covering the same event, indicating strong alignment with

Why objectivity (85): The article presents the event in a largely neutral manner, reporting on the ANC's response and police actions without overt bias. However, it includes some direct quotes from the ANC and mentions the party's call for specialized law enforcement, which could subtly favor the ANC's perspective.

News24 logoNews24IndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 856 days ago
Two ANC members gunned down during door-to-door campaign in Durban

Two members of the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa's ruling party, were shot dead while conducting a door-to-door campaign in Durban. The incident occurred amid heightened security concerns in the region, though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. The victims were reportedly engaged in grassroots outreach efforts ahead of upcoming local elections. The attack has raised fears of increased violence in politically sensitive areas and could impact voter turnout and campaign strategies. Authorities have launched an investigation into the killings.

Bias read (Center): The article reports a factual event involving political figures and does not exhibit clear bias in framing, language, or sourcing. It presents the incident as a crime without attributing blame or taking a stance on the broader political implications.

Why factuality (90): The article provides a thorough account of the shooting, including police statements, the involvement of a white Isuzu bakkie, and the number of casualties. It aligns closely with other articles covering the same event, confirming the accuracy of the event description and the lack of known motive. T

Why objectivity (85): The article presents the event in a largely neutral manner, reporting on the ANC's response and police actions without overt bias. However, it includes some direct quotes from the ANC and mentions the party's call for specialized law enforcement, which could subtly favor the ANC's perspective.

Daily Maverick logoDaily MaverickIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 886 days ago
LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: Mbalula fires DA warning after ANC’s ConCourt victory — ‘Nothing binds us forever’

In the lead-up to the 2026 local elections in South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) successfully secured the reinstatement of its 181 candidates on the ballot through a court victory. Following this development, Fikile Mbalula, a senior ANC figure, addressed the Democratic Alliance (DA), which had opposed the ANC's legal challenge. Mbalula expressed concerns over the current governing alliance (GNU) between the ANC and DA, suggesting that the ANC might seek alternative partnerships within Parliament. This statement comes amid growing tensions over the future of the coalition government.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the ANC's legal success and Mbalula's subsequent remarks to the DA. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the factual sequence of events and the political implications.

Why factuality (88): The article accurately describes the Constitutional Court's ruling in favor of the ANC regarding the mayoral candidates. It includes direct quotes from Fikile Mbalula and provides context about the legal dispute with the IEC. The information is well-sourced and aligns with the primary document's emp

Why objectivity (88): The article remains largely objective, focusing on the legal proceedings and reactions from ANC officials. While it mentions Mbalula's emotional response, it does so without editorializing or suggesting a particular viewpoint.

Daily Maverick logoDaily MaverickIndependentCenterFactual 87Objective 89yesterday
LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: Defiant Andile Lungisa claims Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral crown despite ANC appeal plans

Andile Lungisa, the current mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay and an ANC National Executive Committee member, has asserted that he is the chosen mayoral candidate for the upcoming 2026 local elections, despite the ANC delaying the formal announcement of its candidates. Lungisa claimed that grassroots ANC structures and communities have already selected him, citing his active campaigning and the perceived distance of other potential candidates like Babalwa Lobishe from the people they represent. He emphasized that the ANC's decision to delay announcing candidates was to prevent internal divisions, aligning with the Freedom Charter principle that 'the people shall govern.' The ANC had initially planned to reveal candidates in August but postponed the announcement, leaving the final selection unresolved as the election date approaches.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both Andile Lungisa's claims and the ANC's delayed decision-making process without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from Lungisa and references the ANC's internal discussions, providing a balanced view of the situation without clear ideological bias.

Why factuality (87): The article accurately conveys Andile Lungisa's claim to being the ANC's mayoral candidate for Nelson Mandela Bay. It references the ANC's decision-making process and quotes Lungisa directly. The information is supported by the context provided in the primary document regarding democratic governance

Why objectivity (89): The article maintains a neutral stance, presenting Lungisa's claims alongside the ANC's strategic decisions. It avoids taking sides or injecting personal opinions into the narrative.

Daily Maverick logoDaily MaverickIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 902 days ago
LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: ANC abandons plan to name mayoral candidates amid fears of supporter backlash

The African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa has decided not to publicly name its preferred mayoral candidates ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. This decision comes after concerns that revealing candidates early could cause internal divisions within the party and weaken its overall electoral campaign. The ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) expressed worries that supporters of unselected candidates might resist the choice, leading to a loss of support for the party as a whole. Instead of naming specific candidates, the ANC has provided lists of potential mayors, leaving the final decisions unresolved as the election date approaches. The party's head of elections, Mdumiseni Ntuli, stated that the decision was made to avoid disappointing unsuccessful contenders and to maintain unity among competing factions within the ANC.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the ANC's decision-making process neutrally, focusing on internal party dynamics and strategic considerations without overtly favoring any side. It includes quotes from multiple ANC officials and explains the reasoning behind the decision without apparent ideological bias.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the ANC's decision to abandon naming mayoral candidates due to fears of internal divisions. It cites sources within the ANC and provides specific details such as the National Executive Committee's concerns and the timeline of events. However, it does not mention the br

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting facts without overt bias. It quotes ANC officials and explains the reasoning behind the decision without taking sides or using emotionally charged language.

IOL (Independent Online) logoIOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 805 days ago
Two ANC members killed while campaigning in Umgababa

Two members of the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa's ruling party, were fatally shot during a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa, a town located south of Durban. Another individual was injured in the incident. The attackers' motives have not been disclosed, and there is currently no indication of who carried out the shooting. This event occurred amid ongoing political activities ahead of upcoming elections. The ANC is a major political force in South Africa, and such attacks could potentially impact the electoral process.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward account of the incident without apparent ideological framing. It does not take a stance on the political implications or assign blame, focusing solely on the reported facts. There is no evidence of biased language, selective sourcing, or omission of context.

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (80): The article is concise and avoids taking a clear stance, focusing only on the basic facts of the event. However, it omits any mention of the broader political climate or the ANC's response, which might affect the reader's understanding of the full context.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories