South Africa political killings: 20 murdered around local elections, Presidency vows action
PauseandPonderTV · Fri, 6 Nov 2026Only seven arrests have been made so far. The government says people must settle political differences at the ballot box, not with violence.
South Africa's Presidency has condemned a wave of political killings after security agencies reported that 20 people involved in politics have been murdered.
According to figures from the country's joint security structure, Natjoints, the victims include political representatives, party members and supporters. Seven people have been arrested so far.
Phindile Baleni, the Director-General in the Presidency, said those behind the killings would be dealt with by the police, and urged South Africans to express their political views through democratic means rather than violence, eNCA reported.
The authorities have not said where the killings took place, over what period, or who is believed to be responsible.
The killings have overshadowed South Africa's local government elections, which are seen as a major test for the governing ANC. Political murders, especially of local councillors and candidates, have long been a problem in the country, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
Source: this report is based on reporting by allAfrica (eNCA report).
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