20 election-related killings recorded as police investigate 139 cases across South Africa - IOL

Twenty people linked to political parties and election activities have been killed during South Africa’s election period, while police have registered 139 election-related criminal cases ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections.

Only seven arrests have been made in connection with the 20 killings, according to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), which is co-ordinating election security.

Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, respect voters’ rights and ensure a peaceful election.

The figures come as police prepare to deploy security teams across the country to monitor potential threats, including intimidation, assault, service delivery protests and community disputes.

NATJOINTS confirmed that the 20 murders involved political representatives, party members and supporters.

Gauteng recorded seven killings, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with six. The Western Cape recorded three, the Eastern Cape two, while the Free State and North West each recorded one.

Police have made 48 arrests in connection with election-related offences overall.

Of the 139 cases opened, 69 remain under investigation, 25 have been enrolled in court and eight have been referred to senior prosecutors for decisions.

The cases include 72 offences under the Electoral Act, 14 assaults, 10 intimidation cases and eight incidents of malicious damage to property.

Specialised investigators, including the Political Killings Task Team, have been assigned to investigate the murders.

The figures add to concerns about warnings of political violence ahead of the elections, as security officials prepare for potential threats during the voting process.

Despite the killings and other reported offences, NATJOINTS said election security preparations were complete, with national and provincial teams deployed to monitor developments.

“We wish to confirm that NATJOINTS and Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (PROVJOINTS) have been activated and are fully operational,” it said.

Security assessments have been conducted at voting stations, with police deployments determined by the threats identified in different areas.

The South African National Defence Force is also on standby to assist police where necessary, while specialised units and mobile teams are ready to respond to incidents.

“Our collective responsibility is to ensure that the electoral process takes place in an environment characterised by peace, stability, public order and respect for the rule of law, while protecting every eligible voter’s constitutional right to participate freely, without intimidation, obstruction or unlawful interference,” NATJOINTS said.

Security officials are also monitoring service delivery protests, community disputes and tensions that could affect voting.

NATJOINTS warned that election-related offences would be dealt with through criminal investigations and prosecutions.

“No individual or organisation has the right to obstruct voting stations, threaten electoral officials, intimidate voters or undermine another person’s democratic rights,” it added.

Police stations will continue handling emergencies, criminal complaints and investigations during the election period.

The security operation also comes amid police monitoring of anti-foreigner tensions and election disinformation.

Hlabisa, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Local Government Elections, urged South Africans to participate peacefully and respect the rights of fellow voters.

“The power is yours to make the difference you wish to see. Let us protect our democracy, participate peacefully and ensure that these elections are free, fair and incident-free,” he said.

He also called on young South Africans to vote, saying municipal elections gave residents an opportunity to decide who should represent their communities.

“Voting gives communities the opportunity to influence municipal leadership, shape local priorities and hold elected representatives accountable for service delivery,” Hlabisa said.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has registered more than 29 million voters, including more than 750 000 new registrations ahead of Wednesday’s elections.

Special voting takes place on Monday and Tuesday, with 2 655 067 people approved to vote over the two days.

Of these, 678 525 will receive home visits because of physical infirmity or disability.

The IEC has deployed 127 000 electoral officials to administer special voting.

Hlabisa again urged South Africans to participate peacefully and respect the rights of other voters.