A traditional leader and his mother were shot dead at their home outside Willowvale in the Eastern Cape, in an attack police say was carried out by unknown gunmen who fled.

Nkosi Mzonke Gudlulwandle Mazamisa, 52, and his mother, Nkosikazi Nojongile Eleonor Mazamisa, 70, died at their home in the Nqabarha area on Friday 4 September, according to published reports. A 50-year-old woman was wounded.

No arrests had been reported in the coverage we reviewed. This story is developing.

What happened

The shooting took place at about 5:30pm at the family's Great Place in the Nqabarha administrative area, outside Willowvale, according to published reports. Gunmen entered the home and opened fire, then fled.

A third woman, aged 50, was wounded and taken to hospital. She is not named here.

Mazamisa had been a traditional leader since November 2025, succeeding his father, who ruled for 49 years and died in July, according to one report. The victims were buried at Nqabarha Great Place on Saturday 19 September.

What police and the family say

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said the provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigation Unit took over from local detectives, and that two counts, murder and attempted murder, were opened. She said: "Police condemn this senseless act of violence." She asked anyone with information to come forward and urged communities not to take the law into their own hands.

The family urged the authorities to find those responsible. Lomso Mcinga, the traditional leader's sister, asked Premier Oscar Mabuyane to make sure the killers are arrested and the case is not left unsolved. Another sister, Nontombi, said their mother was shot eight times in her home and that the family will not be at peace until the attackers are jailed.

Premier Mabuyane said gun violence is rising in Willowvale, where three traditional leaders have been killed this year. He said people know who is involved and urged residents to help police.

Violence against traditional leaders

AmaXhosa King Ahlangene Vulikhaya Sigcawu called for swift arrests and for communities, police and government to work together on safety. Nkosi Langa Mavuso, deputy chair of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, said 43 traditional leaders have been killed nationally since 2024, including seven in the Eastern Cape. He said police protection for traditional leaders is inadequate. His breakdown in one report (seven in the Eastern Cape and 33 in KwaZulu-Natal) adds up to 40, so confirm the national figure with the House before using it.

Nkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, Contralesa's provincial chair, called for the Political Killings Task Team to investigate. Nkosi Buyanda Gwazinamba Matanzima, deputy chair of the provincial House, called for a special investigative team.

What we do not yet know

  • Who carried out the attack, and the motive. Police have not given one.
  • Whether anyone has been arrested since September.
  • Whether the Political Killings Task Team or a special team has been assigned.
  • The correct national count of traditional leaders killed since 2024.
  • Whether the woman who was wounded has recovered.