UN Experts Condemn Killing of South African Land Rights Activist, Call for Urgent Action

United Nations independent experts have strongly condemned the killing of South African land rights activist Zweli "Khabazela" Mkhize, calling for urgent action to ensure accountability and protect human rights defenders facing escalating violence.

The killing, they said, is part of a broader and deeply concerning pattern of targeted attacks against members of the grassroots movement Abahlali baseMjondolo, which advocates for housing and land rights for marginalised communities.

A Targeted Killing Amid Ongoing Threats

Mkhize was shot dead on 20 January 2026 by two assailants in the eNkanini informal settlement, an area marked by ongoing disputes over land occupation and ownership.

According to UN experts, he had received death threats prior to his killing, linked to his outspoken opposition to the illegal sale and allocation of land—a contentious issue in many parts of South Africa where land access remains a deeply political and socio-economic challenge.

"Mkhize's murder forms part of a sustained pattern of violence targeting human rights defenders," the experts said, describing the act as a direct attack on fundamental freedoms.

Defender of Housing and Land Rights

Zweli "Khabazela" Mkhize was widely recognised within activist circles as a committed advocate for the rights of informal settlement residents.

As a leading member of Abahlali baseMjondolo—one of South Africa's largest social movements representing shack dwellers—he worked to:

• Defend access to land and housing

• Challenge unlawful land deals

• Support vulnerable communities facing eviction or displacement

His work placed him at the forefront of a high-risk environment where activists often confront powerful political and economic interests.

A Pattern of Violence Against Activists

UN experts warned that Mkhize's killing is not an isolated incident but part of a wider trend of intimidation, harassment, and violence against land and housing rights defenders in South Africa.

Globally, human rights defenders working on land, environmental, and indigenous issues are among the most vulnerable groups, frequently facing:

• Threats and surveillance

• Criminalisation of their work

• Physical attacks and assassinations

"Such heinous acts constitute a direct assault on the exercise of fundamental rights," the experts stated.

Call for Urgent Investigation and Accountability

The UN has urged South African authorities to take immediate and decisive action, including:

• Conducting a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation

• Identifying and prosecuting those responsible

• Ensuring justice for the victim and his community

Failure to act, experts warned, risks reinforcing a climate of impunity, which can embolden further attacks on activists.

Legal Obligations and Protection Gaps

Under international human rights law, states have a clear obligation to:

• Protect individuals exercising their rights

• Prevent attacks against human rights defenders

• Ensure accountability when violations occur

The UN experts emphasised the need for stronger protection mechanisms, particularly for activists operating in high-risk contexts such as land disputes.

Broader Implications for Democracy and Rights

The killing raises broader concerns about the state of civic space and the safety of activists in South Africa—a country with a strong constitutional framework but ongoing challenges in enforcement and protection at the grassroots level.

Analysts note that unresolved land inequality, combined with urbanisation pressures and political contestation, continues to create flashpoints where activists are exposed to significant risk.

A Test for Justice and Accountability

As calls grow louder for justice, the case of Zweli Mkhize is being seen as a critical test of South Africa's ability to:

• Uphold the rule of law

• Protect human rights defenders

• Address systemic issues driving violence

The UN experts' message is clear: without accountability and stronger protections, the cycle of violence against those defending fundamental rights is likely to continue.