DA Ward Candidate Thulani Mbana Shot Dead Outside Free State Home
- DA ward candidate Thulani Mbana was shot dead outside his home in Taylor Park, Zamdela, on Monday evening
- Two unidentified suspects called Mbana outside his residence before opening fire and fleeing on foot
- Free State police have activated a task team to investigate the killing as local government elections approach
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Facebook
FREE STATE — Democratic Alliance Ward 14 candidate Thulani Mbana was fatally shot outside his home in Taylor Park, Zamdela, on Monday, 26 October 2026, at approximately 21:40.
According to the South African Police Service, two unidentified men approached Mbana's residence and called him outside. When he came to the door, one of the suspects drew a firearm and shot him multiple times at close range. The two men then fled on foot. Mbana sustained several gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene.
Police task team activated
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia has activated the Zamdela Trio Task Team alongside the Serious Organised Crime Unit to lead the murder investigation. A case has been formally opened, and investigators are pursuing all available leads to identify and apprehend the suspects.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
The motive behind the attack has not been established, and police have not confirmed whether the killing was politically motivated.
Police have further cautioned the public against circulating unverified information or speculation on social media, warning that doing so could compromise the investigation.
Elections security under focus
The murder comes at a sensitive time, with the Free State's Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJOINTS) in the process of coordinating security arrangements ahead of the upcoming local government elections. Lieutenant General Lesia reaffirmed that violence and criminal conduct would not be tolerated, and that SAPS remained committed to upholding the law impartially and safeguarding communities across the province.
The DA confirmed Mbana's death, expressing mourning over the loss of its Ward 14 candidate.
See X post from SAPS here:
Councillor shot dead in the Eastern Cape
A day ago, police in the Eastern Cape were on the prowl for two suspects following the fatal shooting of a local councillor at his home in the Taleni Administrative Area outside Dutywa. The incident occured on Friday, 24 October 2026. Ernest Fipaza, 63, who served on the Mbhashe Local Municipality council, was killed at his Bende home at roughly 19:30 when two men arrived at his property.
IFP councillor killed in KZN
Briefly News also reported that the Inkatha Freedom Party confirmed the killing of James Mabaso, one of its candidates for the upcoming local government elections, who was found shot dead at his home in Emakhasana village, Pomeroy, in the Msinga area of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The incident happened after another IFP councillor, Lucky Sokhela, was killed on 1 September 2026 in KwaSwayimani.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
