By Bhekizenzo Zonele
The killing of Democratic Alliance (DA) ward councillor candidate Thulani Mbana in the Free State has heightened concerns about political violence ahead of South Africa’s local government elections on 4 November.
Mbana, the DA’s Ward 14 candidate in Metsimaholo Local Municipality, was shot dead outside his home in Taylor Park, Zamdela, on Monday evening.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the incident occurred at about 9.40pm when two unidentified men arrived at Mbana’s home and called him outside.
As he approached the suspects, one allegedly shot him several times at close range before both men fled on foot.
Mbana died at the scene.
Free State police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thabang Lesia has activated the Zamdela Trio Task Team and the Serious Organised Crime Unit to investigate the killing and track down the perpetrators.
Police have cautioned against linking the murder to political violence before investigations are completed.
“The motive for the killing has not yet been established, and it has not been confirmed whether the incident is politically motivated,” SAPS said in a statement.
The killing comes amid growing concerns about political violence as parties campaign ahead of the municipal elections.
According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), at least 43 people were killed in 45 suspected political attacks between January and September 2026.
The figure exceeds the 30 political killings recorded during the 2021 municipal election year and the 33 registered during the 2024 national elections.
Other provinces, including Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, have also been affected by political violence.
Earlier this month, four ANC members were killed while returning from a memorial service in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
Two other ANC members were shot dead during a door-to-door election campaign in Umgababa, KwaZulu-Natal, on 15 October.
Political analyst and University of KwaZulu-Natal lecturer Zakhele Ndlovu has linked growing competition for councillor positions to unemployment and the economic benefits associated with political office.
“The struggle for employment is such that many people see being a councillor as escaping poverty,” Ndlovu said.
Meanwhile, Free State police have outlined their security preparations ahead of the municipal elections.
“The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJOINTS) in the Free State is ready to coordinate and implement security measures aimed at ensuring peaceful, safe and incident-free upcoming local government elections,” SAPS said.
Police have appealed to anyone with information about Mbana’s murder to contact investigating officer Captain Sandile Dladla on 082 453 6245 or 073 226 6788, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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