Suspect, 27, arrested over attempted murder of MK Party leader and husband in KZN

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of MK Party Ilembe District Secretary Zanele Mbhamali and her husband following an investigation by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team.

The suspect, Velile Ntshangase, appeared before the Ndwedwe District Court on Monday, 27 July 2026, on two counts of attempted murder. The case was postponed to 3 August 2026 to allow him to secure legal representation.

In a statement the South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said that the shooting occurred on the night of 23 June 2026 at around 10:30pm. Mbhamali and her husband were travelling home along Road P100 towards Ndwedwe when unknown gunmen allegedly opened fire on their vehicle.

The docket was assigned to the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team on 10 July, after which investigators launched an intensive probe that led to Ntshangase's arrest.

Mathe also revealed that investigations uncovered the involvement of a second suspect linked to the case. However, the individual was shot and killed by unknown assailants at his home on 29 June 2026 shortly after returning from work.

She said investigations into the killing of the second suspect are continuing.

The Political Killings Task Team has not ruled out further arrests as investigations into the attempted murder remain ongoing.