At least 43 people have died in suspected political assassinations across South Africa between January and September this year, according to a report released on Friday.

The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC) said the death toll has already surpassed the annual total for any year since the organisation began tracking political violence in 2015.

The Geneva-based civil society group warned that the “highest-risk months still lie ahead” as South Africa prepares for local government elections on 4 November.

Researchers recorded 45 politically linked attacks up to 30 September. The victims included political party officials, ward councillors, members of civic organisations and traditional leaders.

The ANC lost 13 members to the violence, while the MK Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, recorded eight deaths. Zuma faces multiple corruption charges.

ALSO READ: Five arrested in political killings of Gauteng ANC councillor and EFF member

KwaZulu-Natal, the MK Party’s stronghold, saw the most attacks. Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg, recorded 10 incidents.

South Africa’s local government elections come at a critical time for the ANC. The party, which led the fight against apartheid and has governed since 1994, lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 national elections.

Voters have grown frustrated with crumbling infrastructure, rising crime and widespread corruption. Opposition parties hope to capitalise on this discontent in next month’s polls.

The November elections will serve as an indicator of the ANC’s support levels before the 2029 national elections.

ALSO READ: Dunoon activist killed on her way home from voter registration