Overview
- ANC Ward 17 councillor Sbusiso “Khekhe” Khwela was shot and killed inside his Klaarwater office on Thursday after a lone gunman who posed as someone needing help opened fire.
- The South African Police Service says the KwaZulu‑Natal Political Killings Task Team has taken charge of the investigation and that multiple SAPS units are conducting a manhunt for the suspect.
- ANC eThekwini leaders, who visited Khwela’s family at the scene, said they were unaware of any threats against him and confirmed he had no office security or guard.
- KwaZulu‑Natal authorities note the killing follows a string of targeted attacks on local officials in the province, with provincial figures reporting nearly 18 councillors assassinated since the 2021 local polls.
- The death is intensifying calls for better protection for councillors and could prompt more visible security and investigative steps ahead of the November local government elections as police work to establish a motive.