DA councillor in Ekurhuleni faces possible disciplinary action after arrest on kidnapping and murder charges

Date: 21 August 2026

A Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor in the City of Ekurhuleni could face party disciplinary action after her arrest on charges of kidnapping and murder, the DA said on Friday.

Who, what and where

DA councillor Kabelo Mahonko was arrested this week and appeared before the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, after being charged with kidnapping and murder. It is alleged that two men who broke into her house were kidnapped and tortured, with one of them later dying from his injuries.

DA response and internal process

DA Gauteng chairperson Fred Nel described the charges as very “serious” and said the matter “has internally been referred to the DA’s Federal Legal Commission for investigation and potential disciplinary action.”

Nel emphasised the party’s position on legal rights, saying,

“We do, however, recognise the councillor’s rights, in terms of the Constitution of our country, and that she remains innocent until found guilty by a court of law.”

He added that the DA “will follow the court hearings and make a final determination once the court has made a finding.”

Political reactions

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng accused the DA of downplaying the seriousness of the charges and said it wants Mahonko removed from her position as a councillor in the City of Ekurhuleni.

The DA’s mayoral candidate in the metro, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, told The Citizen she “cannot comment on the matter.”

Calls for accountability

The ANC in Ekurhuleni expressed concern about the allegations. Regional secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi said:

“The allegations are extremely serious. No person, regardless of political affiliation or public office, has the right to take the law into their own hands.”

Dlabathi called on law enforcement to ensure the matter is “thoroughly and impartially investigated, without fear, favour or political interference,” and added:

“If the evidence establishes criminal wrongdoing, those responsible must face the full might of the law.”

He also said:

“Political parties must not shield their members from accountability. The ANC Ekurhuleni respects the independence of the courts and will not pre-empt the outcome of the legal process. However, we firmly maintain that justice must be served, due process must be followed, and the law must take its course. No one is above the law. Justice must prevail. The rule of law must prevail.”

What happens next

The DA has referred the case to its Federal Legal Commission and said it will monitor court proceedings before deciding on any party disciplinary action. The case is before the Benoni Magistrate’s Court.