South Africa: Targeted killings linked to 2026 local elections, organized crime

A new report from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime highlights a surge in targeted killings in South Africa tied to political competition ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The killings are reportedly driven by disputes over municipal contracts and political influence, with organized crime networks exploiting electoral dynamics. This signals a concerning intersection of political violence and criminal governance, potentially undermining electoral integrity and local governance stability.