Former Kwambonambi mayor Phineas Mthethwa's son, Bongani Mthetwa was shot dead in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Thursday.

Captain Jabulani Mdletshe said Bongani was driving with a passenger on RBM road when two men in a white sedan overtook their car and shot at it on Wednesday around 3pm.

"Bongani lost control of the vehicle and collided with a taxi. The two gunmen then shot Bongani at close range and set his vehicle alight," said Mdletshe.

The passenger was not shot, but sustained serious injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Spent 9mm and AK 47 rifle cartridges were found on the scene, said Mdletshe.

Cases of murder and attempted murder are being investigated. Anyone with information about the crime is urged to call the investigating officer on 082 417 5657.