The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the Eastern Cape, Zolile Williams, condemns the murder of councillor-candidate Ernest Fipaza on the evening of 23 October 2026.
Ernest Fipaza (63), an ANC ward councillor in the Mbhashe Local Municipality, was shot and killed at his home in Bende Location, Dutywa, on Friday evening. The tragic incident happened just days before the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections, where he was set to contest Ward 10 under the banner of the South African Communist Party (SACP).
According to the police, two unknown men arrived at his home around 19:30, and an argument broke out, which quickly turned physical before shots were fired.
The assailants also held one of his sons at gunpoint while searching for a firearm in a safe before fleeing empty-handed.
A team from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigation Unit is investigating a case of murder and house robbery.
His son, Papama Fipaza, and community members shared heartfelt tributes to a man who put people first before his own interests:
- A dedicated former teacher, he drilled a community borehole at his own cost to ensure neighbours had free access to clean drinking water.
- He ran a vegetable garden supplying fresh produce to underprivileged families and pushed to convert a local primary school into a technical school.
- His family confirmed he will still appear on the ballot paper next week as voters head to the local government elections.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the province, Zolile Williams, said it is unacceptable that people resort to ambushing others at their homes to resolve political differences.
"No stone should be left unturned until the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to book and face the full might of the law," said MEC Williams.
The MEC conveyed his condolences to the family of Councillor Fipaza and the people of Bende Location in Dutywa, Mbhashe Local Municipality, and the Eastern Cape Province.
Enquiries:
Pheello Oliphant
Cell: 082 432 6433
Mamkeli Ngam
Director of Communication
Cell: 071 685 7981
#GovZAUpdates
