Phendukani Mabhida, a dedicated ANC councillor from Ward 18 in Mandeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, was gunned down at his home in Sundumbili on 4 February 2025. The 40-year-old father of two was shot multiple times while with his family, and his 42-year-old sister sustained injuries in the attack. Public Order Police arrested two suspects hours later on charges of murder and firearm possession, linking them also to the January killing of a local induna. Mabhida’s death sent shockwaves through the community, especially as it came amid reports of death threats he had received just days earlier.
Before his assassination, Mabhida had been vocal about deep-rooted corruption in the municipality. He accused fellow ANC councillors of shielding politically connected officials who awarded lucrative contracts to unqualified companies favoured by party insiders. In a letter to municipal leadership, Mabhida detailed these irregularities and pushed for accountability. His efforts to expose the graft painted him as a threat, leading many to suspect his murder was politically motivated to silence reform. The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal condemned the killing as a barbaric act and called for swift justice.
The investigation took a dramatic turn when the case docket was transferred to the Political Killings Task Team, a specialised unit credited with cracking high-profile assassinations. This move, however, sparked controversy at the highest levels. On 22 September 2025, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into police corruption and interference. He revealed that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu became visibly angry upon learning of the arrests and the task team’s involvement.
Masemola described Mchunu’s reaction as unprecedented in his career, noting it was the first time he witnessed a minister furious over police succeeding in their duties. The commissioner highlighted how Mchunu had earlier ordered the task team’s disbandment in December 2024, viewing it as an overreach into operational matters. Despite this, the unit’s decision to pursue the Mabhida case underscored its vital role in tackling political violence. Masemola’s testimony has intensified scrutiny on ministerial influence over investigations.
The Madlanga Commission’s probe into these events exposes vulnerabilities in South Africa’s fight against political killings. Mabhida’s story serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those challenging corruption. As the inquiry continues, calls grow for stronger safeguards to protect whistle-blowers and ensure investigations remain independent. Justice for Mabhida and others like him demands unwavering commitment from law enforcement and political leaders alike.
