Another ANC leader shot as KZN election tensions rise
PIETERMARITZBURG — Former Richmond mayor and senior ANC politician Siminenkosi “Samora” Ndlovu is recovering in hospital after gunmen allegedly blocked his vehicle and shot him several times on the R56 in KwaZulu-Natal, raising renewed concerns about attacks on political figures ahead of the local government elections.
Ndlovu, 43, was travelling alone in a white BMW towards Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday evening when another vehicle allegedly blocked his path near Thornville.
According to police, an occupant of the other vehicle opened fire, striking Ndlovu multiple times before the attackers fled.
He was initially taken to Richmond Clinic before being transferred to St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg for further treatment.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that an attempted murder investigation had been opened.
Police have not established a motive, and no arrests had been announced.
Ndlovu previously served as mayor of Richmond Municipality and secretary of the ANC’s Moses Mabhida region. He currently serves on the party’s regional task team.
The ANC condemned the shooting, describing it as an assassination attempt and calling for a thorough police investigation.
Regional task team coordinator Zet Luzipho said the party was relieved that Ndlovu had survived and urged members and communities to remain calm while investigators pursued those responsible.
The attack comes amid continuing concern over political violence in KwaZulu-Natal.
In recent months, two Inkatha Freedom Party councillor candidates and an ANC councillor have been killed in separate attacks in the province.
KwaZulu-Natal has a longstanding history of violence involving political office-bearers, prompting previous investigations into political killings and the establishment of a dedicated police task team.
However, investigators have not established that Ndlovu’s shooting was politically motivated or connected to any of the other attacks.
With the local government elections approaching, the shooting has renewed concerns about the safety of political representatives and candidates in a province where election-related violence remains a serious concern.
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