A 27-year-old man has appeared before the Ndwedwe District Court in connection with the attempted murder of MK Party Ilembe District Secretary Zanele Mbhamali and her husband. The arrest follows an investigation by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team into the shooting that took place in June.
The accused, Velile Ntshangase, faces two counts of attempted murder. The case was postponed to 3 August 2026 to allow him time to obtain legal representation.
MK Party Shooting Investigation Leads To Arrest
The MK Party shooting investigation gained momentum after members of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team were assigned the case on 10 July 2026. Detectives launched an investigation that ultimately led to Ntshangase’s arrest.
[Four Killed In N2 Head-On Crash Near Umtubatuba As KZN MEC Warns Of Rising Road Deaths]
According to police, the shooting occurred on the night of 23 June 2026 at about 10:30pm. It is alleged that Mbhamali and her husband were travelling home along Road P100 towards Ndwedwe when unknown suspects opened fire on their vehicle.
Zanele Mbhamali Attempted Murder Case Before Court
The Zanele Mbhamali attempted murder case was heard in the Ndwedwe District Court on 27 July 2026. Ntshangase appeared on two counts of attempted murder before the matter was remanded until next week.
The postponement will allow the accused to secure legal representation before further court proceedings continue.
The KZN Political Killings Task Team has confirmed that investigations into the attack remain ongoing. Police said further enquiries uncovered information linking a second suspect to the case.
SEE TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES ACROSS LEADING PUBLICATIONS
According to investigators, that suspect was shot and killed by unknown assailants at his home on 29 June 2026 after returning from work.
Police have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation into the attempted murder of Mbhamali and her husband continues.
