A DA councillor was shot dead at his home in Zamdela, Sasolburg, last night (October 26), just days before the local government elections, reports the Sedibeng Ster.

Thulani Mbana, a councillor in the Metsimaholo Local Municipality, was killed in a shooting that left colleagues and community members shocked.

The motive for the attack was not immediately known, and police had not confirmed whether the killing was politically motivated.
The Sedibeng Ster approached local police and the DA’s regional leadership for comment, but received no response at the time of publication.

Read more: 44 politically motivated killings recorded in SA ahead of elections – LNN – Network News

Councillors targeted in separate shootings

Mbana’s killing came amid a series of reports of violence against public representatives in South Africa.

In June, two councillors were killed during the voter registration weekend ahead of the local government elections. DA councillor Sinovuyo Dyokwe was shot while returning home from a voter registration venue in Dunoon, Cape Town, while ANC councillor Sicelo Mleve was killed at his office in Zwide, Gqeberha.

In July, police announced an arrest in connection with Mleve’s murder, after a 20-year-old suspect was taken into custody.
Other incidents have also raised concerns about the safety of councillors and candidates.

In September, the IFP reported the death of councillor Khethelo Mdluli, who had been shot outside his home in oPhindweni, Gingindlovu, in KZN. He died in hospital several days later.

The IFP subsequently called for police intervention in the killings of two of its councillor candidates in KZN.

Although these cases have drawn attention to the risks faced by public representatives, the circumstances of each killing differ, and no link between the incidents has been established in Mbana’s case.

Read more: Info sought after Eastern Cape councillor fatally shot at home

Tributes pour in

Tributes for Mbana poured in on social media following news of his death.

Refiloe Teixeira wrote: “Too sad. Rest in peace, Mkhaya. Gone too soon. May your soul rest in peace. You will be missed.”

Moeketsi Mantso also expressed his condolences to Mbana’s family and friends. “May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote.

Lisebo Victorious Masoha also shared messages of support for the grieving family.

Police investigations into Mbana’s killing were continuing at the time of publication.

Violence ahead of local government elections

According to Caxton Network News, more than 44 people were killed in politically motivated attacks between January and September 2026, with KZN recording the highest number of incidents.

More recent attacks included two ANC members who were reportedly ambushed during a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa, while other political representatives and candidates were targeted in separate incidents.

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