DA Councillor Gunned Down at Home Just Days Before Elections

South Africans are reeling after the brutal killing of a respected local leader in the Free State.

Thulani Mbana, the Democratic Alliance councillor and caucus leader in Metsimaholo Local Municipality, was shot dead at his home in Zamdela, Sasolburg, on Monday evening, 26 October 2026. The attack happened around 21:40 when two unknown men approached his house in Taylor Park and called him outside.

When Mbana came out to see what they wanted, one of the men pulled out a firearm and shot him several times at close range. The attackers then ran away on foot. Mbana suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.

Mbana served as Member of the Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Human Settlement. Colleagues knew him as a hard-working and approachable man who always put the community first. His death comes just days before the local government elections, leaving many people shocked and worried about safety for public representatives.

Police in the Free State have opened a murder case. The Trio Task Team and Serious Organised Crime Unit are investigating. So far, the motive remains unclear, and officers have not confirmed if the killing was politically linked. All leads are being followed.

The Freedom Front Plus quickly sent condolences. They remembered Mbana as a friendly colleague who kept good relations even during tough debates. Many ordinary people on social media also shared messages of sadness, saying he was gone too soon.

Violence against councillors has become a growing worry across the country. Communities in Sasolburg and beyond are calling for the killers to be found quickly so that justice can be done.

Mbana’s family, friends and colleagues are left heartbroken. South Africa continues to lose dedicated public servants in this way, and many are asking when it will stop.

Source:https://x.com/Patriot_S_A/status/2115011102228537787

Maverick feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com