ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula Condemns Political Killings

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has strongly condemned the recent spate of political killings and murders involving ANC members and supporters in the lead-up to the 2026 local government elections. Speaking at the National Results Centre in Midrand, Mbalula emphasized that when political violence goes unpunished, it fuels further violence. He described these acts as a 'crime against democracy'. The ANC has been affected by such incidents, with two of its members shot dead in Umgababa, south of Durban, while campaigning in October.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) security cluster has recorded more than 20 political murders nationally during the election period. In a recent incident, an ANC branch chairperson was shot and killed outside a voting station in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga. Mbalula's comments come as the country is in the midst of the local government elections. The ANC is one of the major parties competing in these elections. The party has been actively campaigning across the country.

Mbalula has called on the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to treat these killings with the utmost seriousness. He emphasized the need to pursue not only those who commit the crimes but also those who order and finance them. Additionally, he stressed the importance of protecting witnesses who are brave enough to speak out. The ANC and other parties have been working to ensure a safe and peaceful election process.

The local government elections are crucial for the country's democratic process. The elections determine the municipalities and councils that provide essential services to citizens. Incidents of violence and killings have raised concerns about the safety of candidates, supporters, and voters. The ANC and other political parties have been urging calm and a peaceful process.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has been working to ensure that the elections are free and fair. The commission has been monitoring the situation closely and has urged parties to respect the law and the democratic process. The IEC has also been working with security agencies to ensure the safety of voters and candidates.

The recent incidents of violence have been widely condemned by various stakeholders. The ANC has been at the forefront of calling for calm and an end to violence. The party has also been working with other stakeholders to promote a peaceful and safe election process. The government has also been urged to take steps to address the root causes of the violence.

The 2026 local government elections are an important milestone in South Africa's democratic journey. The elections provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in the democratic process and choose their local representatives. The ANC and other parties have been working to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and peaceful.

Key points

• The ANC has condemned the recent spate of political killings and murders involving its members and supporters.
• The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has recorded more than 20 political murders nationally during the election period.
• Mbalula has called on the South African Police Service and the NPA to treat these killings with the utmost seriousness.