20 Politically Linked Murders and 139 Election Crime Cases as South Africa Heads to Polls

Heightened Security Concerns Ahead of Elections

During a security briefing in Tshwane, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Deputy National Commissioner for Policing and Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), highlighted the ongoing threats to election safety.

Police have recorded 20 murders involving political representatives, party members, and supporters. Of these, only seven arrests have been made in connection with the killings so far. These incidents have intensified anxiety around the electoral process, with authorities expanding efforts to curb violence, voter intimidation, and disruptions at polling stations.

Breakdown of Election-Related Crimes

The statistics presented by Mosikili outline a complex landscape of criminal activity related to the elections:

• 139 election-related criminal cases have been registered across South Africa.
• Out of these, 48 arrests have been made.
• 69 cases remain under active investigation.
• Eight dockets have been referred to the Senior Public Prosecutor, and 25 cases have already been enrolled in court.

Police data shows an escalation of offences:

• 21 cases during the first voter registration weekend
• 13 cases during the second registration weekend
• 105 cases outside the registration weekends

Key Offences Under Investigation

Offences under the Electoral Act account for a significant portion of reported crime, with 72 incidents resulting in 22 arrests. Other criminal activities being investigated include:

• 14 assaults
• 10 murders
• 10 intimidation cases
• 8 incidents of malicious damage to property
• 7 theft cases
• 1 attempted murder
• 17 other offences

The briefing noted that the total of 20 politically linked murders reported pertains specifically to political representatives, members, and supporters, though its overlap with the 10 murder cases in the 139 reported dockets was not clarified.

Regional Crime Landscape

Gauteng leads the provinces with seven politically linked murders, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with six. The Western Cape reported three, the Eastern Cape two, and the Free State and North West one each. These statistics have prompted police to prioritise murder investigations, deploying specialised units such as the Political Killings Task Team alongside provincial and national detective teams.

Societal Tensions and Protests Under Watch

Authorities are closely monitoring potential flashpoints that could destabilise the electoral environment. Police security assessments are factoring in political tensions, ongoing service delivery protests, developments relating to anti-foreigner sentiment, and labour disputes.

In KwaZulu-Natal, law enforcement continues to monitor protest activity while ensuring compliance with a recent Durban High Court interim order. This order bars intimidation, violence, property damage, and road obstructions and prohibits demonstrations within 100 metres of voting stations during voting, counting, and results announcements.

In the Western Cape, ongoing taxi-related violence is also a concern for law enforcement agencies, who are deploying additional interventions to help stabilise affected areas.

Police Commit to Upholding Electoral Integrity

No individual or organisation has the right to obstruct voting stations, threaten electoral officials, intimidate voters or undermine another person’s democratic rights.

Lieutenant General Mosikili underscored the commitment of law enforcement to protect the democratic process. She warned against attempts to intimidate voters, threaten officials, or prevent South Africans from exercising their voting rights. Police, she said, will respond decisively against any such conduct, prioritising both the safety of citizens and the integrity of the polls.

Political parties, candidates, and supporters were called upon to exercise restraint and maintain conduct that upholds the election process. The authorities continue to encourage peaceful political participation and protest within the boundaries of the law.

On the Eve of Voting: The Road Ahead

As election day approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on the safety and security of all participants. Community vigilance, robust law enforcement, and respect for democratic rights are at the forefront as South Africa prepares to head to the polls.