ANC Condemns Political Killings During Election Period

The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed concern over the number of political killings recorded during the local government election period. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula stated that these crimes pose a direct threat to democracy. According to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), more than 20 political murders have been recorded across South Africa. Mbalula made these remarks at the National Results Centre in Midrand on Saturday.

The ANC has reported several incidents of violence against its members. Two ANC members were shot dead in Umgababa, south of Durban, while campaigning in October. Additionally, an ANC branch chairperson was shot and killed outside a voting station in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, on Thursday. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of politicians and the impact of violence on the electoral process.

Mbalula has called for investigations into these killings and urged the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to take these crimes seriously. He emphasized the need to pursue not only those who commit the crimes but also those who order and finance them. Mbalula also stressed the importance of protecting witnesses who are brave enough to speak out.

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has also been affected by political violence. On Saturday night, police in the Eastern Cape confirmed that former Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor and UDM councillor Luxolo Namette was killed in Motherwell. The motive for his murder is under investigation. The UDM has stated that Namette's killing casts a shadow over the elections.

The ANC's condemnation of political killings has been echoed by other parties. The party has described these crimes as a "crime against democracy." Mbalula's comments come as the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has declared the 2026 Local Government Elections free and fair. However, the IEC has also noted that there are still outstanding objections that need to be addressed.

The South African Police Service and the NPA have been urged to work together to address the issue of political violence. The ANC has emphasized the need for a concerted effort to prevent further killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. This effort is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that politicians can campaign safely.

The IEC has completed vote counting in six provinces, and final results are near. However, the issue of political violence remains a concern. The ANC and other parties have called for calm and urged citizens to respect the electoral process. The outcome of the elections will be announced soon, and parties are awaiting the final seat allocations.

Key points

• ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula condemns over 20 political murders recorded during South Africa's local government election period.
• The ANC has reported several incidents of violence against its members, including the killings of two members in Umgababa and an ANC branch chairperson in Bushbuckridge.
• The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has also been affected by political violence, with the killing of former Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor Luxolo Namette.