South Africa: UDM councillor Luxolo Namette shot dead in Gqeberha

According to IOL, Namette, 45, was killed at about 3.44 pm outside a barbershop in Umnulu Street, Motherwell. The outlet reports that he stepped outside to take a phone call and an unknown gunman shot him twice in the head. Police recovered cartridges, earphones and two cellphones at the scene. IOL says no arrests have been made, the suspect is unknown and the motive has not been established.

IOL writes that the UDM fears he may have been targeted because of his political activities, but cautions against drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete. The party will escalate the matter to the Political Killings Task Team, the outlet says. Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata condemned the killing and urged witnesses to come forward.

SABC News reports that fellow Nelson Mandela Bay councillors described him as dedicated and honest. According to SABC, Namette chaired the Municipal Public Accounts Committee before the elections and was set to return to council after the UDM won three seats in the metro. Former Good Party councillor Lawrence Troon said he had worked closely with him.