KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli says 18 councillors have been assassinated in the province since the 2021 local government elections. The Premier raises the figure as part of ongoing efforts to address political killings and calls for calm ahead of upcoming local elections. Ntuli frames the killings as a serious concern for public safety and the stability of local governance. The disclosure comes as political violence remains a focus for authorities and communities in KwaZulu-Natal, where local leaders have faced threats and attacks in past election cycles. While the report cites the total number of councillors killed over the period starting with the 2021 elections, it does not provide additional breakdowns such as specific dates, municipalities, or investigation outcomes in the available information. The Premier’s appeal is aimed at encouraging peace and discouraging further violence as the next round of elections approaches.