What Happened in Umgababa
On a Thursday afternoon, two ANC volunteers were shot dead while they were going door‑to‑door to talk to voters in Area 24, Umgababa, south of Durban. A third volunteer was hurt in the leg while trying to escape, and another volunteer suffered critical injuries when an unknown gunman opened fire on the group.
The Shooting
The volunteers, accompanied by two bodyguards, were approached from behind by a white Isuzu bakkie. People inside the vehicle allegedly fired rifles and pistols at the unarmed campaigners. Two people died at the scene; a woman injured her leg fleeing, and a third volunteer was left in critical condition.
Police Response
Police opened two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. They are treating the attack as a targeted act of violence and are gathering evidence from witnesses and any available footage.
Why This Matters
The shooting is not an isolated incident. KwaZulu‑Natal has seen a worrying rise in political killings.
Rising Political Violence in KwaZulu‑Natal
Since the 2021 local‑government elections, 18 councillors have been assassinated in the province, five of them in eThekwini. In September alone, three Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) councillor candidates were killed in separate attacks. The latest attack adds to the fear that political campaigning is becoming dangerous.
Reactions from Political Parties
ANC’s Statement
The ANC called the shooting a “barbaric and cowardly attack” on people exercising their democratic rights. It described the act as ruthless, cold‑blooded, and a complete lack of human decency. The party urged law‑enforcement to deploy all necessary resources to catch the perpetrators quickly.
MK Party’s Call
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party echoed the ANC’s condemnation and asked for a dedicated Political Killings Task Team to investigate the shooting and related cases. It also urged increased police patrols in Umgababa to reassure residents and protect campaigners.
What Leaders Are Asking For
Demand for Arrests and Investigation
Both the ANC and the MK Party want the suspects arrested and prosecuted without delay. They are calling for specialised intelligence and investigative units to be involved.
Calls for a Special Task Team
The MK Party specifically requested a task team focused on political killings, hoping it will identify those responsible and bring them to justice while preventing further violence.
How the Community Can Help
Authorities are asking anyone who saw the shooting or has information to come forward. Residents are urged to stay calm, avoid spreading unverified rumors, and share any useful details with the police. Remaining vigilant and cooperating with investigators can help stop future attacks.
Conclusion
The tragic shooting in Umgababa highlights the growing threat of political violence in KwaZulu‑Natal as the November 4 local‑government elections approach. Political parties, law‑enforcement, and citizens all have a role to play in ensuring that campaigning can happen safely and that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable. By working together, the community can help protect democratic participation and restore peace to the area.
