43 political assassinations: Ramaphosa orders police crackdown ahead of local elections

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the killing of councillors and candidates ahead of the November 4 local government elections, warning that political violence threatens South Africa’s democratic gains.

His remarks come amid a rise in suspected politically motivated killings ahead of the November 4 local government elections.

The violence has affected several political parties and public representatives, raising concerns about the safety of candidates and the ability of parties to campaign freely.

Ramaphosa said political violence could not be accepted in a democratic country and that the gains made since the end of apartheid should not be reversed by those seeking to prevent candidates from campaigning.

We cannot accept that in a democracy, and South Africa has a very strong and functioning and robust democracy, we will not allow it to be destroyed or even to be set back by the actions of those who seek to use violence.