Violence spreading like wildfire in the political landscape of South Africa ahead of 2026 elections
Reading Time: 3 minutesPolitical participation can become deadly during election campaigning. Read more about the latest incident in Mpumalanga.
Political campaigning has begun ahead of the IEC Elections in South Africa, however, it has not been smooth sailing, Philani Ngobeni reflects
A cloud of darkness has descended upon the people of Standerton in the province of Mpumalanga. The incident is followed by the shooting of Service Delivery Party (SDP) member Pioneer Nicolas Selepe, an incident that is believed to be politically motivated. According to reports released by the SDP, Selepe was shot on Saturday, 1 August 2026, at approximately 3 pm along the R23 road in Standerton.
Allegations of intimidation
The party said the manner in which the attack took place is very concerning, alleging that the attack was to intimidate the party members and to discourage political participation in the area. “This horrific and unfortunate incident occurred on the very same day the SDP successfully conducted a high impact voter registration campaign. Given the time and location, we strongly suspect that this deliberate act of violence is politically motivated and intended to silence our movement,” the party said in its statement.
Mounted Distress Over Instability
Even though police have not yet declared the incident as political motive, the incident heightened major concerns around the issue of political instability within the country. According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, political killings remain an ongoing threat in some parts of South Africa especially during times of political activity. The KwaZulu National province remains one of the highest province to record political assassinations in the country, but experts warn that politically motivated intimidation can emerge anywhere and intensify due to political competition.
Alarming levels of violence
Although, South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics continues to show high alarming levels of violent crimes nationwide. With ongoing reports and investigations, South Africa recorded more than 6,000 murders every three (3) months emphasizing the country’s battle against violent crimes. Political analyst has repeatedly warned that attacks on political figures – regardless of party affiliation – undermine democracy by discouraging citizens from participating freely in public life.
A Demand for Justice
The Service Delivery Party has pleaded with SAPS and the intelligence agencies to prioritize cases that are politically motivated. “We call upon the South African Police Service and relevant intelligence agencies to urgently prioritize this investigation, track down the perpetrators and cover anyone responsible for planning the attack,” said the party. The organization has warned residents of Standerton and South Africans not to allow fear to influence their choice of political party.
Community Safety Is a Collective Responsibility
Despite the immediate investigations, experts’ ague that preventing political violence requires long-term commitment from government, political parties and communities.
The following strategies can be implemented to minimize politically motivated attacks:
• Improve visibility of police and intelligence agencies during political activities.
• Encourage positive participation and zero tolerance for violence and destruction in our communities.
• Implement an improved method to fast track politically motivated incidents.
• Introduce strict laws during political campaigns and carrying of weapons during that period of registrations and voting.
• Find methods to safeguard witnesses of political violence.
Protecting and Upholding Democracy
As a nation that strongly advocate for democracy, politically motivated violence will ruin the reputation of the Republic of South Africa when viewed by the international community. The shooting of Nicolas Selepe during a political campaign and activity has become a norm in the political atmosphere of South Africa. This has questioned the political participation of South Africans as we are approaching the November elections.
Transparency is a priority
Whether political motives or acts of criminality is proven, a thorough and transparent investigation needs to be conducted without fear or favour of individuals with influence. As the investigations unfolds, many South Africans will be hoping that justice is served- not only for the Selepe family but to uphold the law of South Africa and values of democracy.
(Philani Ngobeni writes in his personal capacity.)
