ANC Councillor Lazola Gungxe was fatally shot on 3 February 2026 at the Old Crossroads Community Hall in Nyanga. The 48-year-old proportional-representation councillor died around 3pm after a community meeting on Gwayi Street.

Two unknown males entered the hall, approached Gungxe while he spoke with residents, and opened fire. They fled in a white Toyota Avanza with no registration plates. Nothing was taken from him.

Nyanga police registered a murder case. Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the motive is still unknown.

Tributes highlight service of Lazola Gungxe

Lazola Gungxe joined the City of Cape Town council on 10 August 2016. He served in Subcouncil 13, which includes Philippi, Crossroads, Nyanga and Gugulethu – areas known for high crime rates. He sat on the Urban Mobility oversight committee and acted as ward councillor while the elected representative was ill.

The ANC Cape Town caucus described him as a colleague, comrade and friend. Regional chairperson Ndithini Tyhido said the party is deeply saddened and shocked.

SANCO Peninsula Region praised Gungxe as a committed activist who built structures with humility. ANC MP Khalid Sayed mourned his “dear comrade and friend”. The Good Party called the killing an attack on public service.

Calls grow for justice and councillor protection

Multiple parties expressed concern about the safety of public representatives. Good Party councillor Jonathan Cupido said councillors work on the front lines in dangerous conditions and that this murder strikes at local democracy.

SACP Provincial Secretary Benson Ngqentsu condemned the “cowardly assassination”. EFF leader in the council, Banzi Dambuza, rushed to the scene and criticised city safety leadership.

The ANC urged a thorough investigation without speculation. Police have appealed for information via Crime Stop (08600 10111) or MySAPS app. No arrests have been reported as of 4 February 2026.