JOHANNESBURG, Monday 19 October 2026 — National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has identified political killings and security preparations for the 4 November local government elections as immediate priorities following his return to office after six months on precautionary suspension.
Addressing the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday, Masemola said he would seek a comprehensive briefing from Crime Intelligence concerning attacks and killings involving political party members and candidates.
He also announced plans to engage provincial police commissioners to assess election readiness, identify security hotspots and ensure that personnel and resources were aligned with emerging risks.
The announcement follows several recent killings involving political party members during the municipal election campaign.
Crime Intelligence briefing prioritised
Masemola said attacks against political party members and candidates required urgent attention.
He indicated that the Crime Intelligence briefing would include threat assessments and measures intended to strengthen prevention and investigations.
The commissioner said SAPS would take action against political violence, intimidation and unlawful conduct.
His announcement places election-related violence among the immediate operational issues requiring attention from national police leadership.
However, Masemola did not announce new arrests or identify suspects in the recent political killings.
He also did not disclose the findings of any new threat assessment.
Provincial commissioners to assess readiness
Masemola said he would engage provincial police commissioners to review preparations for the elections.
The engagements are intended to identify areas requiring additional policing resources and assess whether operational arrangements are sufficient.
He emphasised the importance of aligning intelligence, personnel and equipment with potential security threats.
The commissioner also called on political parties and their supporters to respect opposing political views and resolve disagreements peacefully.
He said SAPS would remain impartial and that political affiliation would not place anyone above the law.
The comments come as election campaigning intensifies across municipalities where competition between political parties is particularly strong.
Recent killings raise election-security concerns
The announcement follows the deaths of political party members in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Two ANC campaign workers were killed in uMgababa, south of Durban, last week.
Four ANC Youth League members were also killed in Katlehong.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday that police were making progress in investigating the incidents.
However, the information reviewed does not establish that police have confirmed a political motive in every case.
Masemola’s planned Crime Intelligence briefing is expected to examine threats involving political party members and candidates more broadly.
The commissioner did not announce that a separate national investigation had been established specifically for the recent incidents.
Masemola returns after charges withdrawn
Masemola resumed his duties on Monday after President Ramaphosa lifted his precautionary suspension on 16 October.
The commissioner had been suspended in April following his appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges involving alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions instructed that the charges be withdrawn on 15 September.
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court formally withdrew the charges on 22 September.
The withdrawal of charges does not constitute a judicial finding on every allegation previously raised against Masemola.
Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane served as acting national commissioner during his absence.
The Presidency thanked Dimpane for her service when announcing Masemola’s return.
Broader policing priorities outlined
Masemola said SAPS would also continue implementing its national Safer Festive Season operations.
The programme focuses on crimes including murder, robbery, sexual offences, illegal firearms, drug trafficking and organised crime.
He called for stronger intelligence-led operations and increased police visibility in identified crime hotspots.
Provincial and district commissioners were instructed to ensure that operational plans translated into measurable improvements in community safety.
Masemola said the police service needed to maintain institutional stability and public confidence.
Election preparations enter final stage
The commissioner’s return comes just over two weeks before the municipal elections.
Police will be responsible for maintaining public order and responding to threats against voters, candidates, election officials and political gatherings.
The IEC has repeatedly emphasised the importance of peaceful campaigning and compliance with the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Masemola’s announcement places the assessment of political violence and election readiness among his first responsibilities after returning to office.
The next significant developments will be the outcome of the planned Crime Intelligence briefing, any additional policing measures announced for identified hotspots and progress in investigations into recent attacks involving political party members.
