At least 43 individuals have lost their lives in 45 suspected politically motivated attacks across South Africa during the first nine months of 2026, according to a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. This surge in violence occurs just ahead of local elections scheduled for November 4, surpassing the 30 deaths linked to similar incidents during the 2021 municipal elections.
Violence Against Political Figures
The recent attacks have primarily targeted local political candidates and activists. Notably, Khetelo Mdluli, a 40-year-old candidate for the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), was shot near his home in KwaZulu-Natal in August, succumbing to his injuries later that month. Family representative Sifiso Mdluli indicated that colleagues at Mdluli’s funeral mentioned the candidate had received threats before his death.
The day following Mdluli’s killing, another IFP candidate, 34-year-old Lucky Sokhela, was also gunned down in the same region. In response to these violent events, the IFP has called on the Political Killings Task Team, formed in 2018, to investigate both cases.
In a separate incident near Johannesburg, an attack claimed the lives of four members of the African National Congress (ANC) youth wing. While the motive remains unclear, law enforcement reported that the attacker surrendered to authorities.
Political Rivalry and Resource Control
The ongoing violence reflects deeper political rivalries, with competing factions focusing less on ideological differences and more on securing access to resources. Researcher Crispin Hemson noted that local councillors and party officials involved in the allocation of housing and contracts have become prime targets.
KwaZulu-Natal has recorded the highest number of attacks, totaling 16, followed by Gauteng, where Johannesburg is located, with 10 attacks. The ANC bore the brunt of these incidents, with 13 of its members killed, while eight members of the uMkhonto weSizwe party, previously led by former President Jacob Zuma, were also among the victims.
In South Africa, a local councillor can earn a monthly salary of over 25,000 rand, excluding allowances, which stands in stark contrast to an unemployment rate of approximately 33% and a minimum wage near 6,000 rand.
