People’s Movement for Change (PMC) Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Nhongo Solo has been attacked and beaten at gunpoint at her home, in an incident the political party believes may have been politically motivated.
The attack comes as political parties and candidates prepare for South Africa’s local government elections on 4 November 2026. Solo is listed as the PMC’s candidate for Ekurhuleni.
According to the PMC, three men had allegedly been seen around Solo’s property before forcing their way into the home.
The attackers allegedly demanded her cellphone and banking details.
Solo and another person tied up
The party said Solo and another person at the property were tied up during the attack.
The suspects allegedly fled with two cellphones, a laptop and bank cards after the assault.
The circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether the perpetrators specifically targeted Solo because of her political activities, have not been independently established.
The PMC has, however, raised the possibility of a political motive.
The party has called on political parties and their supporters to respect the Electoral Code of Conduct and ensure that candidates are able to campaign without intimidation or violence.
A candidate with a history of community work
Solo is not new to community and political activism.
She is a former Agang SA provincial youth leader, provincial deputy secretary and ward chairperson. She is also a co-founder of youth organisation Abatsha Force of Change and Sunshine Tutorial Academy, which provides maths and English support to learners.
Earlier this year, Solo was quoted discussing an initiative aimed at helping matric learners navigate opportunities after school.
“The aim of the event is to provide young people with information to help them make the best decisions for their lives,” she said at the time.
She added that the initiative was intended to help young people deal with anxiety around their matric results and understand opportunities such as bursaries, university applications, TVET colleges and apprenticeships.
PMC raises concern over political intimidation
The PMC has framed the attack within the broader need for candidates to be able to participate in the election without violence or intimidation.
The party said political parties and their supporters should uphold the Electoral Code of Conduct during the campaign period.
The IEC’s electoral code sets standards for political parties and candidates participating in elections, including provisions aimed at ensuring that campaigning takes place peacefully and without intimidation.
The alleged attack therefore raises concerns beyond the immediate robbery and assault, particularly if investigators establish that Solo was targeted because of her political candidacy.
At this stage, however, the political motive remains an allegation by the PMC rather than an established fact.
Solo’s attack comes at a particularly sensitive time for local politics, with Ekurhuleni among the municipalities heading into the 4 November elections.
The PMC is calling for the political contest to remain peaceful, while the circumstances and motive behind the attack are expected to be determined through the criminal investigation.
