Key Takeaways
- Monicca Dube, 44, the EFF Tshwane Region 2 secretary, was shot dead at her home on 13 June 2026, just months after surviving an assassination attempt in March 2026 in which she was struck by 11 bullets.
- Two gunmen wearing balaclavas entered through a dining‑room window, allegedly told her to abandon a unspecified “project,” then shot her in the left eye; she was declared dead at the scene.
- Family members, especially her 24‑year‑old daughter Tshepang Maseko, expressed devastation, describing Monicca as a community‑oriented fighter whose open‑gate policy unfortunately also exposed her to criminals.
- EFF MP Leigh‑Ann Mathys visited the bereaved household, pledged the party’s relentless pursuit of justice, and announced trauma‑counselling arrangements for the children.
- Police confirmed a witness heard a threat before the shooting, opened a murder case at Kameeldrift Police Station, and continue investigations while urging anyone with information to come forward.
Background and Previous Attack
Monicca Dube had already become a target of violence earlier in the year. In March 2026 she survived a brutal assault in which she was shot eleven times, sustaining injuries that required weeks of intensive‑care treatment. The attack left her with lasting physical and psychological scars, yet she returned to her political work with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), continuing to serve as the Tshwane Region 2 secretary. The recurrence of gunfire against her raised alarm among party members and community leaders, who viewed the March incident as a warning sign of a deeper, organized threat targeting her activism.
Details of the Fatal Shooting
On Saturday, 13 June 2026, at approximately 13:50, Monicca was inside her residence in Wallmannsthal, Tshwane, when two men wearing balaclavas gained entry through a dining‑room window. According to a witness who later spoke to police, the assailants confronted her, stating that they had instructed her to “leave that project” before opening fire. Monicca suffered a single gunshot wound to her left eye and was pronounced dead at the scene by Gauteng Emergency Medical Services. The suspects fled on foot immediately after the shooting, leaving no immediate trace beyond the witness’s account and the forced entry point.
Family’s Grief and Statements
The news of Monicca’s death plunged her family into profound sorrow. Relatives gathered at her home, struggling to comprehend how a woman who had already endured a near‑fatal attack could be taken so violently. Family members described the loss as “unreal” and emphasized the difficulty of coping while striving to remain strong for one another. The household, once a hub of community activity, now echoed with grief and disbelief, underscoring the personal toll that political violence can exact on loved ones.
Daughter’s Tribute
Tshepang Maseko, Monicca’s 24‑year‑old daughter, spoke candidly about her mother’s character and legacy. She recalled Monicca as a “strong woman” and a “fighter” who dedicated her life to serving the community, keeping their gate open for anyone in need at any hour. Tshepang lamented that the very openness that defined her mother’s generosity also inadvertently exposed her to criminal elements. She described the sight of her mother’s lifeless body as still traumatizing, yet affirmed that the family would strive to honor Monicca’s memory by continuing her work and seeking justice.
EFF Leadership Response
EFF Member of Parliament Leigh‑Ann Mathys visited the bereaved family on the day of the shooting, conveying the party’s solidarity and resolve. Mathys stated that while the exact motives remained unclear, the incident highlighted a “very broken justice system” that had failed to protect Monicca after the earlier attack. She affirmed that the EFF would monitor the case closely, demand accountability, and not rest until those responsible are brought to justice. Additionally, Mathys announced that arrangements had been made for trauma counselling for Monicca’s children to help them cope with the loss.
Police Investigation and Witness Account
Captain Johan van Dyk of the Tshwane District Police revealed that a witness had heard a disturbance, investigated, and discovered two balaclava‑clad men inside the house. The witness reported hearing one suspect tell Monicca to abandon a project before gunfire erupted. Police confirmed that the perpetrators entered via the dining‑room window and fled on foot after the shooting. A murder case has been opened at Kameeldrift Police Station, with forensic teams collecting evidence from the scene, including bullet casings and potential DNA traces. Authorities urged anyone with additional information to come forward, stressing that public cooperation is vital to solving the case.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Probe
As of the latest updates, investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby cameras, interviewing neighbours, and analysing the witness statement to construct a timeline of events. The motive remains under scrutiny, with police considering whether the killing is linked to Monicca’s political activism, her involvement in a specific community project, or possibly personal disputes. No arrests have been made at this stage, but the case is prioritized given the high‑profile nature of the victim and the repeated attacks against her. Legal experts note that establishing a clear connection between the March assault and the June killing could be pivotal for prosecution, potentially allowing charges of premeditated murder or conspiracy.
Community Impact and Calls for Justice
Monicca’s death has reverberated throughout the Tshwane community, prompting vigils, social media campaigns, and calls for increased protection of public figures and activists. Community leaders have echoed the EFF’s demand for justice, urging law‑enforcement to treat the case with the utmost seriousness and to address any systemic failures that allowed a second attack to occur. Local residents have expressed fear that the violence could deter civic engagement, yet many have also pledged to uphold Monicca’s legacy of service by keeping community gates open—while advocating for stronger safety measures to prevent future tragedies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who champion social change and underscores the urgent need for a justice system capable of safeguarding its most vocal advocates.