Ndlovu, 43, a former ANC regional secretary in Moses Mabhida and currently a member of the region’s Regional Task Team (RTT), was shot multiple times on Tuesday night (6 October 2026) while driving alone in a white BMW along the R56 near Thornville, outside Pietermaritzburg/Richmond. Another vehicle allegedly blocked his path; an occupant got out and fired several shots, striking him. He was first taken to Richmond Clinic and then transferred to St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, where he is recovering and described in some reports as fighting for his life or recuperating. He was able to call his bodyguards after the shooting; they arrived and helped get him medical care. He reportedly has bodyguards but was travelling without them at the time.
ANC Moses Mabhida RTT coordinator Zet Luzipho and regional spokesperson Xoli Ntshangase issued statements expressing shock, relief that Ndlovu survived, and calls for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to investigate fully and bring those responsible to book. The party urged community members and ANC supporters to keep Ndlovu and his family in their prayers. Police have registered an attempted murder case; UMgungundlovu District and provincial SAPS statements indicate a bullet-riddled vehicle was found at the scene, the motive remains unknown, and a search for suspects is underway. No arrests had been reported in initial coverage.
Broader context
This incident occurs weeks before South Africa’s local government elections (scheduled for early November 2026) amid a documented rise in suspected political assassinations and targeted attacks. Reports from monitoring groups and provincial leaders note elevated numbers of politically linked killings in 2026 compared with prior years, with KwaZulu-Natal remaining a hotspot. Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has previously stated that at least 18 councillors were assassinated in the province since the 2021 local elections. Recent months saw multiple IFP councillor candidates and others killed in separate incidents, prompting multi-party discussions on election safety, calls for the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) to investigate, and appeals for political tolerance.
Moses Mabhida itself has a history of internal ANC factional tensions, leadership disputes, and earlier violence linked to local politics, though no specific motive (political rivalry, personal, criminal, or other) has been established in Ndlovu’s case. He previously served as Richmond mayor and held regional secretary roles; the region covers parts of the Midlands including Pietermaritzburg and surrounding municipalities.
Social media reactions mixed expressions of concern for Ndlovu’s recovery with broader comments on the dangers of politics in KZN, the cheapening of life, and election-related risks. Authorities and parties across the spectrum have repeatedly stressed the need for thorough investigations, protection of public representatives, and peaceful campaigning.
As of the latest available reports (7 October 2026), Ndlovu remains hospitalised, the investigation is ongoing, and the ANC continues to press for accountability. Further updates from police or the party would clarify any developments on suspects, motive, or his condition.
