OPINION - At least 43 people have been killed in suspected political assassinations in South Africa since the beginning of 2026, almost double the number recorded over the same period last year. 

With local government elections approaching on 4 November, the escalating violence raises serious questions about political accountability and the country's ability to confront crime.

Research published earlier this month by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime found that six political campaigners were shot dead in targeted attacks across four provinces during the first voter registration weekend in June alone.

When the contest for political power becomes associated with murder, it raises questions about the commitment of those seeking office to addressing the wider crisis of violence in South Africa.

The scale of that crisis is alarming. Between April and June this year, 5 427 people were murdered across the country, an average of almost 60 deaths every day.

The South African Police Service is already operating under enormous pressure, while the demands placed on the criminal justice system remain considerable. 

Yet, as political parties concentrate on securing votes and positions of power, an important question remains: who is ensuring that the institutions responsible for protecting the public receive the resources and support they need?

The elephant in the room

Crime cannot be pushed aside simply because the country is approaching another election.

South Africa's criminal justice system has struggled for years with inadequate resources and deep-rooted structural problems. Yet these challenges continue from one election cycle to the next.

At what point should the political will to address a failing system be questioned, particularly when its shortcomings cost lives, discourage investment and place additional pressure on economic growth?

The National Prosecuting Authority's latest annual report provides a concerning indication of the capacity challenges facing the institution.

At the end of March, 1 183 positions remained vacant, representing 17.55% of its approved establishment. Almost three in every 10 senior management positions at salary levels 13 to 16 were also unfilled.

These vacancies raise questions about the institution's ability to fulfil its mandate and whether it has sufficient capacity to bring criminals to justice.

Ultimately, successful prosecutions depend on more than effective police investigations. Police may arrest suspects, but without the capacity to prepare cases and present them in court, there can be no assurance that offenders will be held accountable.

The concern is that political competition can divert attention from the everyday responsibilities of making government institutions work.

Senior appointments still need to be made, critical vacancies must be funded and filled, and institutions must be held accountable for their performance. These responsibilities cannot be put on hold until the political uncertainty surrounding elections has passed.

The cost of political neglect

The upcoming local government elections should prompt a wider discussion about how South Africa protects essential public institutions from political disruption.

Parliamentary oversight and other accountability mechanisms already exist, but are they doing enough to ensure that persistent operational failures are addressed, particularly when political priorities shift?

There is a strong case for more independent and continuous monitoring of the criminal justice system's capacity and performance.

Regular public reporting could help ensure that those responsible for these institutions are held accountable and that longstanding problems receive attention, rather than being repeatedly overlooked as political priorities change.

The operational needs of the criminal justice system must also be properly considered when budgets are drawn up. Funding decisions should be based on evidence of what is required to investigate crimes and prosecute offenders effectively, rather than being treated as bargaining tools in political negotiations.

Political competition is an unavoidable part of democracy, and elections remain essential. However, the responsibility to protect citizens does not change when governments change.

For the thousands of families affected by violent crime, the identity of the next mayor or governing coalition will offer little comfort if the institutions responsible for investigating and prosecuting offences do not have the capacity to do their jobs.

South Africans have every right to expect political leaders to compete for power. They have an even greater right to expect those leaders to ensure that the fight against crime does not become another casualty of political priorities.

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