ActionSA's KZN ward launch interrupted by shooting incident, members thwart gunman
What was meant to be the launch of a new ActionSA ward in eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Sunday afternoon was disrupted by a shooting incident in the area.
ActionSA spokesperson in KZN, Saneli Zuma, said that their team managed to confiscate the firearm from the shooter.
“We managed to disarm him after firing three shots. He is now arrested at Sydenham Police Station.”
ActionSA President Herman Mashaba and Provincial Chairperson in KZN Zwakele Mncwango were at the launch of the branch ward when the event was cancelled.
In a video posted on Sunday after the shooting on Mashaba’s X account, formerly Twitter, he and Mncwango said that they were safe at the police station and were being assisted by the police officers.
“Let me assure you that we are safe, everyone is safe,” Mashaba said. “The guy is behind bars, and the police are opening a case against him. So far, coming from our people, they’re going to be charging him with three counts of discharging a firearm in a public space, threatening our activists, and damage to the car.
“Fortunately, he is in custody. Our teams are giving statements of what happened.”
Mashaba said that the individual is expected to appear in court on Tuesday and Mncwango and his team will ensure that they go out for the appearance.
“We are not going to be intimidated by anyone in our new democratic dispensation, and the police have been really really positive. We’re impressed by Sydenham Police Station, everyone here is very professional.”
Mashaba thanked KZN police officers for being sympathetic and for taking the matter seriously.
I would sincerely like to apologise to our members and activists in Ward 25, EThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal for the sudden cancellation of their branch launch due to a criminal trying to kill some of our members.
Our deepest appreciation to @SAPoliceService. pic.twitter.com/EkJSaLkgi1— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) June 15, 2025
SAPS has yet to comment on the incident.
Mncwango apologised to the activists for the cancellation of the branch launch.
“We’re coming back, but we apologise really. The situation is beyond our control.”
Mashaba has been on several branch launches since the start of the month, with most having taken place across Gauteng so far.
theolin.tembo@inl.co.za