Bullets fly at ActionSA launch! – Mashaba caught in crossfire as gunman storms KZN meeting

Herman Mashaba

Cape Town – ActionSA was forced to cancel the launch of a new branch in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday after a gunman opened fire at the event in full view of party president Herman Mashaba and provincial chair Zwakele Mncwango, reports say.

The shooter, who arrived in a Toyota Quantum, was disarmed by party members and taken to the Sydenham police station. One activist was injured during the altercation.

“A man reportedly fired three shots before being overpowered by attendees, disarmed, and handed over to police in Sydenham,” MDN News reported.

Mncwango, known for his anti-corruption stance in the province, believes the attack was politically motivated, according to Times Live.

“Several shots were fired during the incident, and fortunately, the perpetrator was successfully disarmed. Unfortunately, one of our activists was physically assaulted and sustained injuries during the altercation. Due to the seriousness of these attacks and in the interest of ensuring the safety of our members and activists, including our president Herman Mashaba, we made the difficult decision to cancel the branch launch,” the report quoted him as saying.

Mncwango condemned the incident as a reflection of ongoing political intolerance in KwaZulu-Natal and called for peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2026 local elections.

He added: “I believe this gunman was sent by someone who is trying to intimidate us. What they are doing is not going to succeed.”

A criminal case has been opened, and the suspects are expected to appear in court on Tuesday.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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