South Africa warns of political violence ahead of 2026 elections

South African security authorities and local government leaders are issuing warnings regarding rising political violence ahead of the November 2026 local government elections. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has called for political killings to be treated as priority crimes, citing 12 serious incidents recorded during the voter registration period.

Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Co-Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), stated that anyone plotting political assassinations or attacks will face arrest and lengthy prison sentences. She emphasized that law enforcement will not tolerate violence driven by political rivalry or intolerance.

KwaZulu-Natal has been identified as a major flashpoint due to its history of factional disputes and political assassinations. To combat these threats, the Political Killing Task Team (PKTT), established in 2018, continues to investigate and solve complex politically motivated murder cases. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding voter mobilization, as approximately 70% of eligible young voters remain unregistered.