A 44-year-old headman and his 70-year-old mother have been shot dead in Konkwana Administrative Area (A/A), Willowvale, in the Eastern Cape.
The shooting happened on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at about 18:45. Police say two armed men entered the homestead and held five people at gunpoint.
The suspects allegedly demanded cash and a firearm. They then opened fire, killing the headman and his mother.
However, the headman’s wife and two other people escaped without injuries.
This is the second similar attack reported in Willowvale within weeks. On 4 September 2026, gunmen killed another headman and his 70-year-old mother in the area.
https://ecnewslive.co.za/breaking-headman-and-his-mother-shot-dead-in-willowvale/?
The earlier victims were identified as Nkosi Mzonke Gudlulwandle Mazamisa, 52, and his mother. A 50-year-old woman also suffered gunshot wounds in that attack.
The two incidents have claimed the lives of two headmen and their mothers. However, police have not confirmed any link between the cases.
Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a new investigation. Police have also sent experienced detectives from the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Investigation unit to investigate the latest killings.
Police have opened two murder cases. The SAPS statement issued on Wednesday, 14 October, did not report any arrests.
Anyone with information that could help police identify the suspects should contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. People can also send information anonymously through the My SAPS app.
