United Democratic Movement councillor Luxolo Namette was shot dead outside a local barbershop on Saturday afternoon.
The murder of United Democratic Movement (UDM) councillor Luxolo Namette in Motherwell has prompted an Eastern Cape police investigation after the 45-year-old was shot dead outside a local barbershop on Saturday afternoon.
Namette was in Umnulu Street, NU9, Motherwell, when he received a phone call and stepped outside to answer it. An unknown gunman then shot him twice in the head, killing him at the scene.
Eastern Cape police said the shooting happened at approximately 3.44 pm on November 7.
Police members were conducting patrols in the area when they received a complaint of murder. On arrival, they spoke to the deceased’s sister.
The scene was attended by senior police officials, led by Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, alongside forensic and pathology officials.
Cartridges, ear pods and two cellphones were recovered at the scene.
The suspect remains unknown, and police have yet to establish a motive for the killing.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
UDM raises concern over possible political motive
Namette’s murder has also raised concerns within the UDM, which fears he may have been targeted because of his political activities.
The party identified Namette as its councillor in Nelson Mandela Bay.
In an earlier statement, UDM secretary-general Bulelani Bobotyane said the party was shocked and saddened by the killing.
Namette began his political career in the ranks of the UDM Youth Vanguard before becoming a public representative. He later chaired the municipality’s Municipal Public Accounts Committee.
The party said it was concerned that his murder could have been politically motivated, although it cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation had been completed.
The UDM said it would escalate the matter to the Political Killings Task Team and request specialised attention.
Police commissioner condemns killing
Ncata condemned Namette’s murder, describing it as a senseless killing that had no place in communities.
“This senseless killing has no place in our communities, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to book,” said Ncata.
He also urged residents who may have witnessed the shooting or heard anything that could assist investigators to come forward.
“I urge every resident who saw or heard anything to come forward, because community information is critical to ensuring justice for Luxolo Namette and his family,” he added.
Police have appealed for information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect.