The Free State town of Sasolburg is still reeling from the shock following the cold-blooded murder of the Democratic Alliance’s Councillor and Caucus Leader in the Metsimaholo Local Municipality.
Councillor Thulani Mbana died in a hail of bullets on Monday night when he responded to a call by unknown men outside his home.
Police have registered a case of murder following the fatal shooting of Mbana, who is also the Democratic Alliance’s Ward 14 candidate in next week’s municipal elections.
It is alleged that at approximately 21:40, the deceased was at his residence at Taylor Park in Zamdela, Sasolburg, on Monday night, 26 October 2026, when two unknown males approached him and called him out. When he approached them, one of the suspects allegedly produced a firearm and shot him several times at close range. The suspects subsequently fled the scene on foot.
Mbana sustained multiple 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, trace and apprehend the suspects, and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The motive for the killing has not yet been established, and it has not been confirmed whether the incident is politically motivated. All possible leads are being pursued as part of the ongoing investigation.
The SAPS appeals to members of the community who may have witnessed the incident or have information that could assist in identifying and tracing the suspects to come forward.
The public is further cautioned against spreading unverified information or speculation on social media, as this could compromise the investigation.
Anyone with information may contact the investigating officer, Captain Sandile Dladla, on 082 453 6245 or 073 226 6788, call #CrimeStop on 08600 10111, or submit information anonymously through the #MySAPSApp.
The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJOINTS) in the Free State is ready to coordinate and implement security measures aimed at ensuring peaceful, safe and incident-free upcoming local government elections.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, reiterates that criminality and acts of violence will not be tolerated. The SAPS remains committed to enforcing the law impartially and protecting the rights and safety of all communities.
