uMkhonto weSizwe Party iLembe regional chairperson Basil Ntuli was arrested on Monday on a charge of attempted murder linked to a family dispute over land.

iLembe police spokesperson Priya Nunkumar said the 51-year-old was arrested by detectives from Mandeni Saps in connection with an attempted murder case dating back to September last year.

Ntuli briefly appeared in the Nyoni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where several party members gathered outside in support.

Reports suggest the case stems from a family dispute over land.

It is alleged that a protection order had previously been served against Ntuli following disputes within the family.

In September, his brother was attacked by a group of people at his home and shot in the foot.

The brother managed to escape and hide, but later claimed he recognised Ntuli among the group that attacked him.

Meanwhile, MK Party deputy regional chairperson Sai Dlamini defended Ntuli, describing the case as an attempt to damage his reputation.

“This is a continuation of an old issue, a dispute among family members. Now a new case has been brought forward in an effort to tarnish his name,” said Dlamini.

He claimed the family were being exploited for political gain ahead of the upcoming local government elections, expected in late 2026.

The matter is expected to return to court as the investigation into the alleged attack continues.

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