PIETERMARITZBURG, Wednesday 7 October 2026 — Senior ANC figure and former Richmond mayor Siminenkosi “Samora” Ndlovu has survived a shooting on the R56 near Thornville in KwaZulu-Natal, with police opening an attempted-murder investigation less than a month before the local government elections.
Ndlovu, 43, was travelling towards Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday night when unknown attackers allegedly opened fire on his vehicle.
He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was taken for medical treatment.
Ndlovu previously served as secretary of the ANC’s Moses Mabhida region and as mayor of Richmond Municipality.
He currently serves in an ANC regional task team in KwaZulu-Natal.
Police have not established that the attack was politically motivated.
Police open attempted-murder investigation
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that police had registered a case of attempted murder following the shooting on Tuesday night.
Police said the victim was attacked by unknown suspects along the R56 Richmond Road in the uMgungundlovu District.
Officers responding to the incident found a bullet-riddled vehicle at the scene, but Ndlovu had already been transported to a medical facility in a private vehicle.
Netshiunda said the motive remained unknown and police were searching for the suspects.
No arrests had been announced by the time of publication.
Vehicle allegedly blocked before shooting
The Witness reported that Ndlovu was travelling alone in a white BMW towards Pietermaritzburg when another vehicle allegedly blocked his path near Thornville.
One of the occupants reportedly got out of the other vehicle and fired multiple shots at Ndlovu’s car.
Ndlovu was initially taken to Richmond Clinic before being transferred to St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg for further treatment.
His condition had not been officially disclosed by police.
Attack comes weeks before municipal election
The shooting comes as political parties intensify campaigning ahead of South Africa’s 4 November local government elections.
KwaZulu-Natal has experienced a longstanding problem of attacks on councillors, candidates and other political figures.
Ndlovu has previously spoken publicly about the security of political office-bearers in the province.
In 2023, while serving as ANC Moses Mabhida regional secretary, he called for improved protection for councillors following the killing of Msunduzi councillor Mabhungu Mkhize.
Tuesday’s attack has not, however, been established as a political killing or attempted political assassination.
Police have opened an attempted-murder case and say the motive remains under investigation.
The search for the attackers is continuing.
