An ANC councillor and his teenage son were shot dead by a group of armed assailants on Friday night at their home in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape.

Lungisile Ranai, ward 15 councillor under the iNgquza Local Municipality, died after being rushed to hospital, while his son was declared dead at the scene of the shooting.

Ranai's eight-year-old daughter was also in the house in Slovo Park when it was stormed by the unknown group of men, but she escaped unharmed.

ANC provincial spokesperson Gift Ngqondi said the party is deeply angered by the senseless killing "of one of the most dedicated and hardworking councillors in our province.

"This is a tragic loss for the Ranai family, the ANC, and the community," he said.

"We are calling on law enforcement agencies to intensify their work to hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to book to the full extent of the rule of law.

"We also want to express our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Ranai family, relatives, friends and the community of Ingquza Hill municipality."

The Lusikisiki community, especially Slovo Park residents, described Ranai as someone who loved his community.

"He was always there when we needed him. He was able to resolve challenges in our community, and he never acted as someone who has a higher position than us," said one resident.

A community member, Nomsa Mvango, 56, told Scrolla.Africa that Ranai was easily approachable.

"We were fortunate enough to stay in the same area as our councillor. Other people don't have that privilege because once we elect councilors to lead us, they move to the suburbs and forget about us," she said.

Eastern Cape Saps spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said the motive for the attack is currently unknown.

"The police are investigating two murder cases, and no arrests have been made at this stage," said Kinana.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact the nearest police station or share the information via Crime Stop on 08600 10111.