EKURHULENI, Thursday 22 October 2026 — The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) says it has approached the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to establish whether former Ekurhuleni councillor Fani John Sibeko, who is accused of murdering four ANC Youth League members in Katlehong, appears on any candidate lists for the 4 November local government elections.
The request comes amid conflicting claims about Sibeko’s political affiliations and his alleged involvement with the Afrika Mayibuye Movement.
Sibeko appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where he provisionally abandoned his bail application.
ANC Youth League seeks confirmation from IEC
ANC Youth League Ekurhuleni chairperson Simphiwe Patose told Eyewitness News that the organisation had approached the IEC to clarify Sibeko’s candidacy status.
The Youth League has alleged that Sibeko is associated with the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, which is contesting the municipal elections under the leadership of Floyd Shivambu.
However, Afrika Mayibuye has denied that Sibeko is one of its councillor candidates.
The movement previously said its Ekurhuleni leadership would investigate whether Sibeko held membership in the organisation.
The IEC has not publicly confirmed whether Sibeko appears on a certified candidate list.
The Youth League’s request therefore remains an inquiry into his status rather than confirmation that he is contesting the election.
Four killed following Katlehong memorial service
Sibeko faces four counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and firearm-related charges following a shooting in Katlehong on 13 October.
The victims were among ANC Youth League supporters returning from a memorial service for ANC member Jeanette Magugu, who had previously been killed.
The shooting occurred in Sophangisa Street in northern Katlehong.
Four people died, while several others were injured.
The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team is investigating the incident.
The ANC Youth League has raised concerns that the attack may have been politically motivated.
However, investigators have not publicly established a political motive or confirmed that the shooting was ordered or organised by a political party.
Sibeko previously served as EFF councillor
Sibeko previously represented the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as a councillor in Ekurhuleni between 2016 and 2021.
EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga confirmed that Sibeko left the party in 2022.
The EFF has distanced itself from the accused and rejected suggestions that he remains associated with the organisation.
Questions have subsequently emerged about his alleged involvement with Afrika Mayibuye.
The movement has denied that he was nominated as one of its councillor candidates.
The conflicting political claims have prompted the ANC Youth League to seek clarification from the IEC.
Murder accused abandons bail application
During Thursday’s court appearance, Sibeko provisionally abandoned his application for bail.
The prosecution told the court that investigators were awaiting outstanding evidence, including post-mortem reports, witness statements and ballistic test results.
Sibeko remains in custody.
The matter was postponed to 19 November, more than two weeks after the municipal elections.
The charges against him remain allegations, and he has not been convicted in connection with the shooting.
Candidate status remains unresolved
The ANC Youth League’s approach to the IEC adds an electoral dimension to an investigation that has already attracted significant political attention in Ekurhuleni.
The municipality is expected to be closely contested in November, with several established and newer parties competing for representation in its council.
Afrika Mayibuye is among those seeking to enter the metropolitan council.
The IEC’s certified candidate lists determine who may contest ward and proportional representation seats.
However, no response from the commission confirming Sibeko’s candidacy status was available at the time of reporting.
The next developments will depend on the IEC’s response and the continuing criminal investigation.
