MOTHERWELL, EASTERN CAPE – Former Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor and United Democratic Movement (UDM) councillor Luxolo Namette was shot dead in Motherwell on Saturday afternoon, an incident the party says casts a dark shadow over the recently concluded 2026 local government elections.
The UDM released a statement expressing deep shock and sadness over the death of Namette, describing the incident as a senseless act of violence that has overshadowed what should have been a period of reflection on the hard work and sacrifices of its members.
According to information gathered from Namette’s family, the former deputy mayor had gone to a local salon to get a haircut shortly before the incident. UDM Secretary General Bulelani Bobotyane confirmed that nothing was taken from Namette during the attack, leading the party to suspect that the murder was politically motivated rather than a random act of robbery.
“We don’t know exactly whether this is something personal or something related to politics, but the reason why we want to believe that it’s related to politics is because this was not a robbery and he was not robbed, and there’s nothing that was taken from him,” Bobotyane stated, pointing to the timing of the killing immediately following the election season as a primary factor in their assessment.
Despite the tragic outcome, Bobotyane noted that the UDM’s campaign environment in the Nelson Mandela Bay region had been peaceful. He reported that there were no squabbles, hiccups, or challenges faced on the ground during the campaign period. The community reception was positive, and the party successfully improved its electoral numbers in the region.
In response to the assassination, the UDM is escalating the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and has formally requested that the political killings task team take over the investigation. The party is calling for an urgent, thorough, and specialized investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder.
Namette leaves behind a extensive legacy within the UDM and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. He grew up in the party, joining through the youth vanguard. He served as the chairperson of the youth vanguard in the Western region (prior to the restructuring of the Nelson Mandela Bay region) and later became the chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Bay region.
His political career advanced to the provincial level when he was appointed deputy chairperson of the UDM in the Eastern Cape, serving alongside The late Councillor Mongameli Bobani. Following Bobani’s passing, Namette assumed the role of mayor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. He was known for his diligent work in the office of economic development and was recently appointed as the chairperson of the municipality’s AMP committee.
Reflecting on Namette’s life and contributions, Bobotyane described the late councillor as a giant within the party who had a great future in politics. He highlighted Namette’s strong belief in accountability, his responsible nature, and his dedication to excelling in every task he undertook.
Bobotyane also shared a personal tribute, noting that Namette had mentored him when he was elected as provincial secretary and later as secretary general. “Namette had no time boundaries,” Bobotyane recalled. “Whatever you call him and ask for advice, he would give you the best of his ability, he would guide you and give you as much as he has to share.”
The UDM has extended its deepest condolences to Namette’s family and to the party’s members at large as they mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant. The SAPS and the political killings task team are expected to provide further updates as the investigation continues.
