Eastern Cape headman and mother killed in Willowvale shooting

An Eastern Cape community is mourning the deaths of a local headman and his 70-year-old mother, who were shot dead during an armed attack at their homestead in Willowvale.

The incident took place at Komkhulu locality in Konkwana Administrative Area on Tuesday evening, 13 October 2026, after two armed suspects allegedly entered the property and held five occupants at gunpoint.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an investigation, with detectives from the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Investigation unit deployed to assist.

Armed suspects allegedly demanded cash and a firearm

According to police, the suspects arrived at the homestead at approximately 6.45pm and held the occupants at gunpoint.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the suspects allegedly demanded money and a firearm before opening fire.

The 44-year-old headman and his 70-year-old mother were fatally wounded during the shooting.

The headman’s wife and two other people who were at the homestead were not injured. The suspects allegedly fled after the attack.

Police investigate two counts of murder

Police have opened two murder cases as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be submitted anonymously through the My SAPS app.

Separate shooting leaves two dead in Katlehong

The Willowvale killings come amid another fatal shooting in Gauteng, where two ANC Youth League members were killed and five other people wounded after a gunman allegedly opened fire on mourners in Katlehong on Tuesday evening.

The shooting reportedly happened shortly after a memorial gathering at Mogobeng Primary School. Police said seven people were shot, with two men, aged 21 and 23, declared dead at the scene. The injured, including a 12-year-old child, were taken to hospital.

A suspect has since surrendered to police and is in custody. The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team is investigating the incident, with cases of murder and attempted murder opened.

Investigators are also looking into whether the Katlehong attack was politically motivated. ANC Gauteng leaders and provincial officials have condemned the shooting and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

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Source: The Citizen