By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the death of a ward councillor Scelo Mleve following a shooting incident at his office in Zwide, Gqeberha, 20 June 2026.
This follows the fatal shooting of Democratic Alliance (DA) activist and by-election candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe.
Dyokwe was shot dead while returning home after taking part in the DA’s voter registration campaign in Dunoon.
As police assured South Africans of heightened security for the voter registration weekend, gun violence has claimed the lives of two political activists.
Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Majola Nkohli, says the incident happened at the councillor’s office, where a community meeting was underway.
He said two armed men stormed the room and held about ten people at gunpoint, demanding their cellphones.
Nkohli added that one of the suspects then opened fire on the 45-year-old councillor, shooting him multiple times.
He died at the scene.b
The suspects fled on foot and remain at large.
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has expressed shock and sadness following the brutal murder of Mleve.
The Executive Mayor emphasized that this targeted violence extended far beyond a single tragedy.
“The attack on Councillor Mleve was not only an attack on an elected public representative, but also an attack on democracy, community participation, and our collective efforts to build safer communities”, she said.
Lobishe has called on all community members who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information that could assist investigators to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
She further called on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in their investigation and to act swiftly in identifying, apprehending and prosecuting the perpetrators.
“These ruthless criminals pose a serious threat to public safety and the rule of law. We call on law enforcement authorities to stop at nothing in pursuing those responsible and ensuring that they face the full might of the law, “Lobishe said.
Police have launched a manhunt for the two suspects. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact the nearest police station. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime reported 15 political killings in KwaZulu-Natal in 2021 and 21 in 2022 – constituting at least 50% of the national total in both years. In 2023, 61% of the country’s 31 political killings happened in KwaZulu-Natal.