Elections 2026: TWENTY political-linked murders recorded

Twenty people linked to political parties have been murdered during South Africa’s 2026 local government election period, with police making seven arrests.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) released the figures on Sunday, 1 November, ahead of Wednesday’s elections.

NATJOINTS chairperson Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said the cases involved political representatives, party members and supporters.

Gauteng recorded the highest number of murders, with seven, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with six.

Three were recorded in the Western Cape, two in the Eastern Cape, and one each in the Free State and North West.

Mosikili said police had registered 139 election-related crime dockets nationwide since the start of the election process.

Authorities have arrested 48 suspects across these cases, while 69 investigations remain open.

Police have referred eight cases to senior public prosecutors for decisions and enrolled 25 in court.

The recorded offences include assaults, intimidation, malicious damage to property, theft and attempted murder.

Seventy-two cases involve alleged contraventions of the Electoral Act.

The Political Killings Task Team, together with national and provincial detectives, is investigating the murders involving political representatives and party members.

SANDF on standby ahead of elections

NATJOINTS has placed security structures on high alert as millions of South Africans prepare to vote.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is on standby to assist police in identified hotspots if required.

Mosikili said authorities had assessed security risks at voting stations and activated operational structures across all nine provinces.

Police are also monitoring protest activity, community tensions and other possible threats to voting.

Political parties must end campaigning by midnight on Tuesday, 3 November.

Authorities have warned that intimidation, coercion and attempts to prevent people from voting will not be tolerated.

Special voting takes place on Monday and Tuesday, while the main local government elections are scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November.