South Africa: 43 political assassinations before municipal elections
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on RFI
Authorities have recorded at least 20 political assassinations in South Africa this year, compared with 43 according to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. KwaZulu-Natal, home to Durban, is the worst-affected region ahead of municipal elections, according to RFI.
At least 43 political assassinations have been recorded in South Africa since the beginning of 2026, ahead of municipal elections scheduled for Wednesday, according to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, cited by RFI. South African authorities report 20 deaths over the same period.
KwaZulu-Natal province is the worst affected, according to the authorities. The victims are often local elected officials targeted in cases linked to corruption, criminal networks or internal rivalries within the parties.
The violence comes as the ANC, the ruling African National Congress, seeks to retain its influence in a municipal election presented as a test for the party. South African parties held their final rallies on 1 November, before polling stations opened, according to the final rallies held by South African parties.
