FEARS of a politically motivated assassination are mounting following the brutal murder of United Democratic Movement (UDM) councillor Luxolo Namette in Gqeberha.
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The 45-year-old was shot and killed in Motherwell on Saturday afternoon, 7 November, just after the conclusion of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
His body was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head in Umnulu Street, NU9, leaving the UDM reeling.
The party is demanding answers and intends to urgently escalate the matter to the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), calling for the specialised unit to give the case the attention it deserves.
“We are deeply concerned that this may have been a politically motivated killing,” the party said in a statement.
”While we do not wish to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, we cannot ignore the possibility that Councillor Namette was targeted because of his political activities or his responsibilities as a public representative.”
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the discovery of the body at 3.50pm and stated that a murder case had been opened by SAPS Motherwell, with the motive and suspects under investigation.
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Namette’s political journey began in the UDM Youth Vanguard before he grew into an experienced public representative trusted with chairing the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).
UDM secretary-general Bulelani Bobotyane condemned the violence, extending condolences to Namette’s wife and family.
“Political differences must never be settled through the barrel of a gun. No public representative should have to fear for their life because of their political affiliation or the duties they perform in service of their communities,” Bobotyane said.
