The rising danger for South African councillors: A closer look at recent murders
The murder of eThekwini Ward 17 councillor Sibusiso Khwela has renewed scrutiny of the dangers facing local politicians across South Africa. Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe says councillors are particularly vulnerable because they work directly within communities and lack the extensive protection afforded to senior government leaders.
Recent murders of South African councillors have brought attention to their vulnerability and the lack of protection they receive compared to higher-ranking government officials. Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe highlighted this issue, stating that councillors are targeted due to their close proximity to the communities they represent and their role as the first point of contact for the public.
Seepe emphasized that local councillors are particularly susceptible to political party disputes and failures in service delivery, making them easy targets.
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia reported that while there has been a national decrease in murders by 9.5% in the fourth quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, South Africa still accounted for over 80% of all murders. The Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) is investigating the recent murders, including the death of Sibusiso Khwela, an eThekwini Ward 17 councillor who was shot in his office in Klaarwater. Khwela's murder remains unsolved, and the PKTT will continue their investigation.
Councillors often face additional challenges, as they do not receive the same level of protection as government ministers who have bodyguards and personal assistants. This leaves them vulnerable after political party campaigns, when senior leaders leave the area, yet the councillor remains to face the public. In the past, councillors such as Thabang Masemola, Aaron Makola, Sinovuyo Dyokwe, Muzimuni Ngiba, Siyabonga Mkhize, Siphiwe Montlha, Esther Motumane, Tshepo Motaung, Sicelo Mleve, Mzwandile Shandu, and Arthur Gqeba have all fallen victim to these attacks.
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