The spate of killings of municipal councillors, particularly in northern KwaZulu-Natal is an attempt to force by-elections and changes in government.
This is according to the MEC for community safety in KwaZulu-Natal, Sipho Hlomuka, who was speaking to News24.
In the past year it is estimated that more than 20 municipal councillors in KwaZulu-Natal have been killed.
Hlomuka was speaking specifically about Nongoma in the north of the province. He was quoted as saying: ‘Since the changes in the leadership of the local council, it seems clear that there is deliberate act to force by-elections. People of Nongoma must reject attempts by people who want to undermine the democratic processes by resorting to violence and bloodshed.’
In July 2023 the IFP mayor of Nongoma was toppled by an ANC, NFP, and EFF coalitions.
Hlomuka said that a multi-party body would be formed by the provincial government to work towards achieving ‘political tolerance’.