Gunmen fatally shot two African National Congress (ANC) members while they campaigned in Umgababa, south of Durban, on 15 October 2026. A third member sustained serious injuries during the attack. This tragedy highlights escalating KZN political violence less than three weeks before the 4 November local government elections.
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The victims included an ANC branch coordinator. Emergency services transported the surviving victim to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Police have launched a murder investigation while formal notification of the families remains underway.
Rising Surge of KZN Political Violence
Picture Source: msn.com
Monitoring groups recorded over 40 suspected political assassinations across South Africa in 2026 alone. KwaZulu-Natal accounts for a significant portion of these deadly incidents.
This tragedy follows a separate shooting on 13 October 2026 in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni. In that attack, gunmen killed four ANC Youth League members who were returning from a memorial service.
The recurring attacks underscore the urgent need for a specialized independent investigative body. Oversight from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development could help bring perpetrators to justice and protect public political figures.
Premier Thami Ntuli Defends SANDF Military Deployment
In response to street violence and rioting in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli defended his decision to request military assistance. Ntuli requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to deploy South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops to restore order.
Picture Source: Supplied
Violent protests erupted in Durban CBD after mobs torched buildings and vehicles belonging to foreign nationals. The unrest stemmed from demonstrations regarding a Department of Home Affairs directive on asylum seeker applications.
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) deputy mayoral candidate Sizwe ‘Mavava’ Skhakane publicly criticized the deployment. Skhakane argued that sending troops into communities could harm the IFP’s prospects in the upcoming local elections.
Protecting Stability and Democratic Elections
Premier Ntuli firmly rejected backlash from political rivals and members of his own party. He warned that organized groups aimed to destabilize the entire province, noting that protests had already spread to Pietermaritzburg.
“We will protect KwaZulu-Natal,” Ntuli stated. He emphasized that authorities must stop selfish agendas designed to destroy local businesses and job opportunities.
Premier Ntuli maintained that the SANDF serves as a vital safeguard for security, public safety, and economic stability. Both provincial and local authorities must act decisively to curb xenophobic violence and targeted political killings ahead of the local government elections.