ANC ward councillor Sicelo Mleve was shot dead at his office in Zwide, Gqeberha, on 20 June. The killing, the third of a councillor in Nelson Mandela Bay this term, has prompted renewed demands for security upgrades at ward offices ahead of the 4 November local government elections.
Two unknown armed suspects stormed Mleve’s office during a meeting of about 10 people. They demanded cellphones, asked for the councillor by name and shot him multiple times before fleeing. Eastern Cape police have launched a manhunt.
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Babalwa Lobishe said Mleve had previously received threats and was under municipal protection in 2024 but was not protected at the time of the attack. She described him as a dedicated ANC member who had risen through youth structures.
ANC regional secretary Siphiwo Tshaka said the gunmen targeted Mleve directly. The Economic Freedom Fighters expressed shock at the high crime rate and called for urgent action.
A separate killing of DA ward candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe in Dunoon, Cape Town, on 19 June has added to concerns over political violence during the election period.