🔥 Trending Ntuthuko Mahlaba: Former ANC KZN Treasurer Dies in Tragic Accident

Ntuthuko Mahlaba was a prominent South African politician and healthcare practitioner, primarily known for his significant roles within the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province ¹. He recently passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the age of 44, after being struck by a vehicle while jogging in Newcastle ⁵⁷.

Political Career and Affiliations

Mahlaba held various influential positions throughout his career:

• ANC Provincial Treasurer (KwaZulu-Natal): He served as the provincial treasurer for the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal ¹²⁶.
• Regional Chairperson: He was also the chairperson of the ANC's Mbuso Kubheka Region (formerly eMalahleni) ¹⁶.
• Former Newcastle Mayor: Mahlaba previously served as the Mayor of Newcastle Local Municipality ³⁴⁵.
• KwaZulu-Natal Legislator: At the time of his passing, he was serving as a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in KwaZulu-Natal ⁴⁶. He also held the position of chairperson of committees in the KZN legislature ⁷.
• MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture: He had served as a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for Sports, Arts and Culture in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government ⁶.

Recent Events and Controversies

Mahlaba's name had recently appeared in news headlines due to a court case. In January 2026, a court testimony linked a vehicle allegedly belonging to him to the murder of a key state witness in a previous case where Mahlaba himself had been charged ⁸. This revelation emerged during a murder trial in the Pietermaritzburg High Court ⁸.

Tragic Passing

Dr. Ntuthuko Mahlaba's death was confirmed by the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, which described his passing as a "devastating loss to the liberation movement" ²⁷. He was fatally injured on the morning of July 4, 2026, when he was hit by a car while out jogging in Newcastle ³⁵.