DA WARD 14 CANDIDATE MURDERED IN ZAMDELA

By: Neo Ntsele

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State has opened a murder case for further investigation after Thulani Mbana, a Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward 14 candidate, was fatally shot at Taylor Park, Zamdela, on the evening of Monday, 26 October 2026.

It is reported that around 21:40, the deceased was at his home when two unidentified men approached and called him outside.

As he approached them, one suspect allegedly drew a firearm and shot him multiple times at close range.

The suspects then escaped on foot.

Mbana suffered several gunshot wounds and died at the scene.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, has activated the Zamdela Trio Task Team and Serious Organised Crime Unit to investigate the murder, track down the suspects, and uncover the circumstances of the incident.

The motive for the murder is still unknown, and it has not been determined if the act was politically motivated.

All potential leads are being followed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The SAPS urges community members who witnessed the incident or have information that could help identify and locate the suspects to come forward.

The public is also warned against spreading unverified information or speculating on social media, as this could hinder the investigation.

Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Captain Sandile Dladla, at 082 453 6245 or 073 226 6788, call Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the #MySAPSApp.

The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJOINTS) in the Free State is prepared to coordinate and implement security measures to ensure peaceful, safe, and incident-free upcoming local government elections.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, emphasises that criminal acts and violence will not be tolerated.

The SAPS is dedicated to enforcing the law impartially and protecting the rights and safety of all communities.