South Africa’s Ramaphosa orders response to political killings
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on IOL
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on police to arrest and prosecute those responsible for political killings, as at least 43 people were killed between January and September. The violence comes ahead of the 4 November local elections, according to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on police to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings of councillors, candidates and activists, less than a week before the 4 November local elections. He condemned on Wednesday 28 October the murders committed during the ANC’s campaign in eMaGabheni, KwaZulu-Natal, according to IOL.
At least 43 people were killed in suspected politically motivated assassinations between January and September 2026, while 45 politically related attacks were recorded, according to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. The incidents were recorded in seven provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape.
Two ANC members were shot dead on 15 October in Umgababa, KwaZulu-Natal, while they were campaigning. Democratic Alliance candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe was also killed in June in Dunoon, Cape Town. Ramaphosa said the violence threatened voters’ right to choose their representatives and the ability of parties to campaign freely.
The president had already condemned the political assassinations on 18 October. He has since ordered the deployment of 510 soldiers against violence targeting foreigners in KwaZulu-Natal, a measure reported on 27 October in the deployment of soldiers against the violence.
