An opposition organiser has been killed in South Africa just days before local government elections, raising fresh concerns about political violence.
Lastborn Shazi, a coordinator for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), was shot dead at his home in KwaZulu-Natal late Monday, November 2.
According to police, Shazi was participating in a Zoom call to coordinate election activities when the shooting occurred.
The killing comes ahead of Wednesday’s municipal elections, with authorities reporting several incidents of political violence during the campaign.
Police investigate organiser’s killing
Senior police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed on Tuesday that authorities had opened a murder investigation.
Police have not established a motive for the shooting.
The MKP identified Shazi as one of its organisers in KwaZulu-Natal, a province where political competition has intensified.
However, investigators have not confirmed whether his death was directly linked to his political activities.
According to Al Jazeera, police are examining the circumstances surrounding the killing.
No information about suspects or arrests was immediately available.
Political killings raise concerns
Shazi’s death follows several other killings involving political figures and supporters during the election period.
South African police reported last weekend that 20 murders involving political representatives, party members and supporters had been recorded.
The figures have raised concerns about security as voters prepare to elect local councillors.
However, the circumstances and motives behind individual killings may differ.
Authorities have not established that every reported incident was politically motivated.
The latest killing adds to concerns about the safety of campaign organisers and political participants.
Soldiers deployed to KwaZulu-Natal
President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the deployment of more than 500 soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal last week.
The troops are expected to support police operations during the election period.
Security officials have identified more than 165 polling stations in the province as high-risk locations.
The additional deployment aims to strengthen security and help maintain order around voting facilities.
KwaZulu-Natal is among the provinces attracting particular attention because of intense political competition.
Authorities face the challenge of ensuring that voters and election workers can participate safely.
MKP challenges ANC dominance
The MKP, led by former President Jacob Zuma, has emerged as an important political force in KwaZulu-Natal.
Zuma became associated with the party following his split with the African National Congress (ANC) in 2023.
The MKP’s rise contributed to the ANC’s decline in support during the 2024 national elections.
Recent opinion polls cited in the reporting suggest that the MKP could perform strongly in eThekwini, the metropolitan area that includes Durban.
However, the election outcome remains uncertain until votes are counted.
The ANC has historically maintained substantial influence in KwaZulu-Natal, but competition has increased in recent years.
Municipal services shape election
South Africans will vote on Wednesday, November 4, to elect municipal councillors.
Those councillors will then participate in selecting mayors and determining local government leadership.
Municipal authorities oversee essential services such as water supply, sanitation and rubbish collection.
Concerns about unreliable services, unemployment and deteriorating infrastructure have become important election issues.
The ANC lost its national parliamentary majority in 2024 and subsequently formed a coalition government with the Democratic Alliance and smaller parties.
At the municipal level, the ANC has also faced growing competition.
It lost control of several major cities during the 2021 local elections and currently governs some municipalities through coalitions.
Security remains a priority
The killing of Lastborn Shazi has highlighted concerns about political violence ahead of South Africa’s local elections.
Police continue to investigate the shooting, while additional security personnel have been deployed in KwaZulu-Natal.
Authorities have not established who was responsible or whether the killing was politically motivated.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, ensuring a peaceful election remains a priority.
The investigation into Shazi’s death will be important in establishing the circumstances of the attack and determining accountability.