South Africa faces surge in political killings and mass shootings

South Africa is experiencing a surge in violent crime, characterized by a rise in political assassinations and high-casualty mass shootings. Between January and September 2026, at least 43 people were killed in suspected political assassinations as the country prepares for local government elections in November. This figure exceeds the political killing totals for the 2021, 2024, and 2025 election years.

Simultaneously, the country is facing a spike in mass shootings linked to organized crime and the widespread availability of illegal firearms. Recent incidents include a shooting at a tavern west of Johannesburg that killed 18 people and another attack near Cape Town that killed 10. Experts note that while the overall murder rate had previously shown signs of decline, the frequency and scale of these mass killings have caused significant concern. Factors such as extortion, gang activity, and illegal mining are cited as drivers of the violence.