Police are investigating the murder of United Democratic Movement (UDM) councillor Luxolo Namette, who was shot dead in Motherwell, Nelson Mandela Bay, on Saturday 7 November.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said a man was found with a gunshot wound to the head at about 3.50pm in Umnulu Street, NU9, Motherwell. He was 45. Police did not name him; the UDM identified him as Namette. No other victims have been reported.

What police have said

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said a murder case has been opened at Motherwell police station, where detectives are investigating. She said: "Suspects and motive are under investigation." She also said: "As this is an active crime scene, further details will be shared in due course."

No arrests or suspects have been reported.

What the UDM has said

UDM secretary-general Bulelani Bobotyane said: "He was one of our own, and his murder has shaken us to the core."

The party said it could not ignore the possibility that Namette was targeted because of his political activities, while saying it did not want to prejudge the outcome. "We are deeply concerned that this may have been a politically motivated killing," the party said in a statement. Bobotyane said: "Political differences must never be settled through the barrel of a gun."

The UDM said it will refer the matter to the Political Killings Task Team.

Who Namette was

Namette is described as a UDM councillor and chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC). The UDM won 2.41% of the vote in Nelson Mandela Bay in the 4 November local government elections and three seats, according to reported figures.

A week of political violence

The killing comes days after MK Party organiser Lastborn Shazi was shot dead at his home in Umzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, on the Monday before the election. Police recorded 20 political murders in the run-up to the vote.

What we do not yet know

  • The motive. Police say it is under investigation, and the UDM has raised a possible political motive without evidence being made public.
  • Which ward Namette represented, and whether he was a sitting, outgoing or re-elected councillor after the 4 November vote.
  • Whether any suspects have been identified.
  • Reports differ slightly on whether the shooting happened while counting was still under way or after it ended.