Nkululeko Gwala, originally from Inchanga in KwaZulu Natal was a resident of Cato Crest in Durban and a supporter of the Marikana Land Occupation (Durban). He was also a prominent member of the shackdwellers' social movement Abahlali baseMjondolo.
Gwala was assassinated on the 26 June 2013 after unnamed gunmen opened fire and he was shot 12 times. This was following a controversial community meeting with eThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo and ANC regional chairperson Sibongeseni Dhlomo in which Mr Gwala was singled out as a trouble maker. Abahlali baseMjondolo claims that Dhlomo also announced at the meeting that Mr Gwala would be "sorted out".
The movement says Nkululeko Gwala was assassinated for exposing corruption in Cato Crest and that the community knows the identity of the gunman who they say also killed housing activist Thembinkosi Qumbelo. They claim the gunmen are associated with a local ANC councillor.
Gwala was buried in his home town of Inchanga.