KZN Premier condemns murder of ANC members in Umgababa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has condemned the brutal killing of two African National Congress (ANC) members who were allegedly shot dead while conducting door-to-door campaigning at Umgababa, south of Durban.

The incident happened on Thursday afternoon, 15 October.

KZN PREMIER MOURNS ANC MEMBERS SHOT AND KILLED IN UMGABABA

According to a report from the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal, the victims, a man and a woman, were part of a five-person group comprising three ANC members and two bodyguards. The group was reportedly approached from behind by a white Isuzu bakkie, whose occupants allegedly opened fire on them.

Following the incident, Premier Ntuli conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the ANC and all those affected by this tragic incident. He has also wished the injured woman a speedy recovery.

Ntuli said the loss of these two lives is deeply distressing.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and to everyone affected by this tragedy. We also wish the injured woman a speedy recovery,” he said.

The Premier has called on SAPS to work around the clock to identify and apprehend those responsible, and to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

“We call on the police to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for this heinous crime. The perpetrators must be brought before the courts to face the full might of the law. We urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation to come forward and share it with the police,” he said.

The Premier emphasised that the circumstances surrounding the incident must be established through a thorough police investigation and cautioned against speculation while the investigation is ongoing.

PREMIER REITERATES IMPORTANCE OF PEACEFUL CAMPAIGNING

With KwaZulu-Natal preparing for the Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, Premier Ntuli has reiterated the importance of peaceful campaigning, mutual respect and the protection of every citizen’s right to participate freely in the democratic process

Ntuli said every political party and candidate must be able to campaign freely and safely in every community.

“There must be no ‘no-go areas’ in KwaZulu-Natal. We must respect one another’s rights and ensure that all political activities take place peacefully and within the law,” said Premier Ntuli.

ANC convenor in eThekwini, Thanduxolo Sabela also condemned the murder of fellow ANC members and called for peaceful campaigning.

“We don’t believe that when conducting a campaign the would be areas where our campaigners would be met with such hostility and be shot at,” he said.