GQEBERHA - Political killings appear to be becoming more prevalent around the electoral cycle.
According to political analyst Prof Ntsikelelo Breakfast, this is because local government has become a centre of accumulation and wealth creation.
"Local government has always been seen as the terrain that gives one access to economic resources," says Breakfast.
He adds that during election season, those who feel in competition with others they see as obstacles may feel a strong need to send a message for others to “back off.”
"This is so that they can have access to the council for the purpose of accumulation," he adds.
Sicelo Mleve, a ward councillor from Zwide in Gqeberha, was shot and killed by unidentified men during a community meeting.
According to police, two armed men stormed the meeting, held about 10 people at gunpoint, and demanded their cellphones.
One suspect then shot the 45-year-old councillor several times before the gunmen fled on foot.
The motive is still unknown and a manhunt is underway.
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe has expressed shock and sadness following Mleve’s death.
Lobishe described the killing as a senseless act that has robbed the community of a dedicated public servant.
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In Dunoon in the Western Cape, Sinovuyo Dyokwe was shot dead while returning home from the weekend’s voter registration drive.
It is believed her murder was targeted, as she had been receiving threats prior to her death.
A SANCO leader, also from Dunoon, was killed on the same day. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has offered a R50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
In Gauteng, two men affiliated with a political party were killed in the West Rand.
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has called for stronger measures to curb political killings ahead of the elections in November.
"Tragically. these incidents are not isolated," says SALGA spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.
"They form part of a deeply concerning pattern of violence that often intensifies around election time," says Modiba.
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According to Modiba, political violence undermines the foundations of South Africa’s democracy.
"It creates fear, discourages citizens from serving in public office and erodes the integrity of the electoral processes," he says.
SALGA says political killings must be treated as priority crimes and prosecutions must be expedited.
Investigations into the murders are still ongoing.