Opposition party organiser killed before South Africa elections

What the report says

South African police are investigating the killing of an organiser for the opposition uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in KwaZulu-Natal, an incident that has intensified concern about political violence ahead of local government elections. According to Al Jazeera, senior police spokesman Robert Netshiunda said a murder case was opened after Lastborn Shazi was shot dead late on Monday at his home while he was on a Zoom call coordinating the party’s campaign.

The report said authorities have not determined the motive. The death comes as police have recorded 20 murders involving political representatives, party members and supporters during the municipal election period, underscoring the security risks surrounding the vote. KwaZulu-Natal has been identified as especially sensitive, with more than 165 polling stations there deemed high-risk.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the deployment of more than 500 soldiers to the province to assist police, according to the article. Wednesday’s elections will choose councillors who later select mayors responsible for local services such as water, sanitation and refuse collection.

The MKP, led by former president Jacob Zuma after his split with the ANC in 2023, has been gaining ground in recent elections. Al Jazeera noted that polls suggest the party could become the largest in the eThekwini metro, which includes Durban, reflecting a broader shift in South Africa’s local political balance.