The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has raised concerns over the rising incidents of political violence and killings in the country ahead of the much-anticipated local government elections in November.
Several election candidates from various parties were targeted and killed over the weekend in three different provinces.
Speaking on YOU FM News Hour, SALGA’s national spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, highlighted that these incidents, although tragic, are not isolated.
“This forms part of a deeply concerning pattern of violence that often intensifies around election time, which unfortunately leads to deaths in some instances.
“SALGA extends its deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in these attacks,” said Modiba.
According to Modiba, data from SALGA’s Municipal Violence Incident Reporting (MUIR) system has revealed that hundreds of incidents, ranging from threats and intimidation to killings, have been recorded in the local government sphere since 2000, with a noticeable increase during election periods.
Modiba further warned that political violence undermines the foundations of democracy.
“It creates fear, discourages citizens from serving in public office, and erodes the integrity of electoral processes.
“No one should ever lose their life simply for participating in democratic activities,” explained the spokesperson.
SALGA condemned the incidents, describing them as “callous acts of violence”, and urged law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively to bring those responsible to justice.
“Political killings must be treated as priority crimes, with urgent investigations and heightened police visibility in identified hotspots.
“Prosecutions should also be expedited, and perpetrators must face the full force of the law, with consequences visible enough to send an unequivocal message that violence has no place in democratic contestation,” pleaded Modiba.
SALGA has implored political parties, candidates and communities to “uphold the values of peaceful democratic contestation and to act decisively against intimidation, inflammatory conduct and factional violence”.
The local government’s unitary body, which represents all 257 municipalities across the country, says it is committed to working with government, law enforcement agencies and all stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming local government elections and ensure the safety of councillors and communities.
