NATJOINTS ready to ensure safe, peaceful local elections
Updated Aug. 7, 2026, 5:55 p.m. | By Bulletin and JacarandaFM Newswatch The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure says the country's…
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Updated Aug. 7, 2026, 5:55 p.m. | By Bulletin and JacarandaFM Newswatch
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure says the country's security forces are fully prepared to ensure safety during the 4 November local government elections and the 46th Southern African Development Community summit this month.
The security cluster’s co-chairperson, Tebello Mosikili, said law enforcement agencies remain on high alert, while border security, Operation Shanela and other crime-fighting operations will continue to maintain peace, stability and the rule of law.
READ: Hlabisa gazettes date for local government elections
“This plan included visible policing, intelligence gathering, protection of election infrastructure, rapid response capabilities; South Africans can therefore be sure that government is fully prepared to provide a safe and secure environment throughout the election period.”
CONCERNED ABOUT POLITICAL KILLINGS
According to Mosikili, at least six politically motivated killings have been recorded since January.
She said NatJoints is concerned by the number of lives lost as the date for the local government elections nears.
“This includes the murder of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party member in Gauteng, a Democratic Alliance ward councillor candidate in the Western Cape, two African National Congress Councillors – one in the Eastern Cape and another in KwaZulu-Natal – and two Economic Freedom Fighters members in Gauteng.”
Mosikili confirmed that these cases were being investigated by the Political Killings Task Team, with seven suspects already arrested.
The latest killing is that of ANC councillor Sibusiso Khwela in Klaarwater, west of Durban.
Khwela, who represented the ANC in Ward 17, was shot by an unknown man in his office on Thursday afternoon in full view of community members.
Khwela was one of the longest-serving ANC councillors and was not due to return to the post in these upcoming local government elections.
The murder is being probed by seasoned investigators attached to the KZN PKTT.
Meanwhile, in Gauteng, the PKTT in that province made a breakthrough in the murder case of slain EFF councillor Aaron Makola.
Makola’s lifeless body was discovered dumped in the bush in Delmas, nearly three weeks after he had been reported missing.
Three people were arrested after they were linked to the councillor’s murder.
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