The SA Local Government Association (SALGA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has condemned the recent surge in politically-motivated killings, attributing them to a deliberate attempt to impede the fight against corruption within municipalities.
In a press briefing held in Durban on Wednesday morning, SALGA expressed deep concern over the alarming trend of politicians falling victim to violence.
Since the start of the year, KZN has witnessed four politically-linked murders, yet no arrests have been made in connection with these incidents.
SALGA underscored the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety of both voters and politicians in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
Thami Ntuli, Chairperson of KZN SALGA, characterized the killings as direct assaults on the nation’s democracy. He emphasized that beyond disrupting service delivery, these acts of violence pose a significant threat to efforts aimed at rooting out corruption within municipalities.
“These perpetrators have effectively turned politicians into vulnerable targets, instilling fear among municipal workers who dare to speak out against corruption,” stated Ntuli.
He further lamented the likelihood that the masterminds behind these attacks may evade justice, leaving victims and their families without closure.
SALGA has called upon KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and law enforcement authorities to take decisive action against this scourge and ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.