KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli confirmed that at least 18 councillors have been assassinated in the province since the 2021 local government elections, highlighting a persistent threat to public representatives and raising concerns over the state’s ability to address political violence.

Councillor Assassinations And Security Concerns

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) reported that 17 councillors were killed between September 2022 and July 2023, with incidents particularly prevalent in the northern region of KwaZulu-Natal. According to Premier Ntuli, the most recent attack involved the murder of Councillor Sibusiso Khwela while performing his public duties, intensifying calls for improved safety for local representatives.

“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal murder of Councillor Sibusiso Khwela… It is particularly disturbing that Councillor Khwela was killed while carrying out his responsibilities to the very community he had committed himself to serving,” said Premier Ntuli.

Municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal spent R84 million on bodyguards for councillors over a six-month period, according to official records, reflecting the high level of perceived threat facing elected officials. Thami Ntuli, Chairperson of KZN SALGA, stated, “The escalating number of political killings targeting councillors… has instilled fear and anxiety among our public representatives.”

Failures In Justice System And Political Response

The Moerane Commission, established to investigate political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, found serious weaknesses in the criminal justice system, national intelligence, and security structures, hindering both prevention and resolution of assassinations. These ongoing systemic issues have prompted repeated calls for urgent government action.

“The welfare and safety of the most vulnerable public representatives is a national tragedy. This tragedy is far more pronounced in KwaZulu-Natal,” said Thami Ntuli for SALGA. Francois Rodgers, Democratic Alliance leader in the provincial legislature, said, “The growing climate of violence in KZN is a threat to our democracy, yet the province’s ANC-run government has not taken firm action.”

The Democratic Alliance has called on the Premier and the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC to urgently address the resurgence of politically motivated killings. SALGA also urged authorities to expedite threat assessments for councillors facing intimidation or threats.

Authorities are under pressure to bolster security and ensure that investigations into councillor assassinations result in arrests and convictions, with political parties and civic organisations warning that unchecked violence undermines democracy and the delivery of essential services. This issue is likely to remain prominent in provincial and national political discourse as investigations continue and further safety measures are debated.