KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has condemned the killing of two African National Congress (ANC) members who were allegedly shot while conducting door-to-door campaigning in Umgababa, south of Durban.
The shooting occurred on Thursday afternoon, 15 October 2026, according to reports from the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal.
The victims, a man and a woman, were reportedly part of a five-person group consisting of three ANC members and two bodyguards. The group was allegedly approached from behind by occupants of a white Isuzu bakkie, who opened fire.
Premier Extends Condolences to Bereaved Families
Ntuli expressed condolences to the families of the two deceased campaigners, the ANC and others affected by the shooting.
He also wished the woman injured in the incident a speedy recovery, describing the loss of life as deeply distressing.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and to everyone affected by this tragedy. We also wish the injured woman a speedy recovery,” the premier said.
Police Urged to Identify and Arrest Suspects
The premier has called on SAPS to conduct a thorough investigation into the shooting and work to identify and arrest those responsible.
Ntuli urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist investigators to come forward.
“We call on the police to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for this heinous crime. The perpetrators must be brought before the courts to face the full might of the law,” he said.
He also cautioned against speculation while the investigation was ongoing, emphasising that the circumstances surrounding the shooting must be established through the police inquiry.
Ntuli Calls for Peaceful Political Campaigning
The incident comes as KwaZulu-Natal prepares for the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
Ntuli reiterated the importance of peaceful campaigning, mutual respect and protecting the right of every citizen to participate freely in the democratic process.
He said all political parties and candidates should be able to campaign safely in communities across the province.
“There must be no ‘no-go areas’ in KwaZulu-Natal. We must respect one another’s rights and ensure that all political activities take place peacefully and within the law,” he said.
ANC Convenor Condemns Attack on Party Members
Thanduxolo Sabela, the ANC convenor in eThekwini, also condemned the killing and called for peaceful political campaigning.
Sabela said party campaigners should not face hostility or gunfire while engaging with communities.
“We don’t believe that when conducting a campaign there would be areas where our campaigners would be met with such hostility and be shot at,” he said.
