EFF Member Killed, Others Injured in Orange Farm Shooting
One member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was killed, and three others were seriously injured during a shooting in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The incident occurred while the party was conducting a mass recruitment campaign.
Details of the Shooting
According to the EFF, two armed gunmen stormed the recruitment event and opened fire on attendees. The deceased has been identified as Mphikeleli Xaba. The injured members – Lucky Nkonyane, Matheza Sithole, and Lerato Majela – are receiving medical treatment.
EFF Condemnation and Calls for Investigation
Nkululeko Dunga, the EFF’s Gauteng provincial chairman, strongly condemned the shooting as a “violent and barbaric” act. He stated that the party does not yet know the motive behind the attack but will work to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Orange Farm News reported on the party’s condemnation.
Dunga emphasized the seriousness of the attack, stating it was “not only an assault on our movement, but also a direct threat to democracy, freedom of association, and political expression.” He called on law enforcement and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Department to urgently investigate the incident, particularly as the country approaches local government elections.
Community Fears and Memorial Service
Survivors of a separate mass shooting in Orange Farm expressed ongoing fear, as a memorial service for the victims was held on Thursday, February 13, 2026. Jacaranda FM reported that this earlier shooting involved a tavern owner allegedly following a man home after an altercation and killing seven people before taking his own life.
Malema Addresses Community Meeting
Julius Malema, President of the EFF, addressed a community meeting in Orange Farm. Videos of the address are available on Voices of the Motherland’s YouTube channel and the Economic Freedom Fighters’ YouTube channel.
Condolences and Recovery Wishes
The EFF Gauteng extended its deepest condolences to the family of Mphikeleli Xaba and wished a speedy and full recovery to the injured members.