Pretoria – South Africa’s security authorities have warned that anyone plotting politically motivated attacks or assassinations ahead of the upcoming local government elections will face arrest, prosecution and lengthy prison sentences, as concerns grow over the continued killing of politicians and councillors.
Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Co-Chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said government security structures were fully prepared to ensure a safe and secure electoral environment throughout the election period.
“Citizens can therefore be assured that government is fully prepared to provide a safe and secure environment throughout the election period.”
Mosikili acknowledged public concern over the continued murders of political party members and councillors in various parts of the country, saying law enforcement agencies would not tolerate violence driven by political rivalry or intolerance.
LGE 2026 | NATJOINTS Co-Chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili warns that those planning politically motivated attacks or assassinations will be arrested, prosecuted, and face lengthy prison sentences if convicted. pic.twitter.com/SdsfpY1hBE
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 7, 2026
“As we prepare for the local government elections, netizens remain concerned about the murders that are continuously being experienced on political party members and councillors in various parts of our country. We are issuing a stern warning to everyone who is planning attacks, assassination or acts of violence for political gain,” she said.
Mosikili warned that anyone involved in politically motivated violence would face the full might of the law.
“You will be arrested, prosecuted, and upon conviction, face lengthy prison sentences. There is absolutely no justification for taking the life of another simply because of political intolerance, political differences, or political contestations.”
She also highlighted the work of the Political Killing Task Team (PKTT), saying it has built a strong track record in investigating and solving politically motivated murder cases since its establishment in 2018.
“The Political Killing Task Team, known as the PKTT, has consistently demonstrated its expertise and capability in solving even the most complex politically motivated murder cases and related offences, “she added.
According to Mosikili, the specialised multidisciplinary task team has arrested more than 400 suspects over the past eight years, including more than 180 alleged hitmen linked to the murders of councillors, political leaders and political party members.
“Regardless of how long investigations may take, since its establishment in 2018, this multidisciplinary and multisectoral task team has arrested more than 400 suspects, including over 180 alleged hitmen linked to the murders of councillors, political leaders and party members,” she concluded.
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