Following the murder of popular US commentator and activist Charlie Kirk, South Africa’s opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it is concerned by escalating gun violence in the country especially ahead of the highly-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck while addressing students at Utah Valley University.
The party is led by Julius Malema, a bold and outspoken politician whose controversial statements have made headlines globally.
Juju as he is affectionately known faced criticism recently over the ‘Kill the Boer, Kill the farmer’ struggle song. He was accused of inciting violence and calling for the murder of white people by Pretoria-born tech billionaire Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump.
Reacting to Kirk’s death, the EFF said the statistics about gun violence in the US are staggering.
“In 2023 the US recorded 46 728 firearm-related deaths. In schools the violence is relentless as in 2024 alone the US endured 83 school shootings leaving 38 people dead and 115 injured. In 2023 there were at least 82 school shootings claiming 46 lives.
“Furthermore, by mid-2025 there had already been a significant increase with 91 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, with eight resulting in casualties. These statistics are not from a war zone but from a country that tells the world it embodies security and democracy,” the EFF said.
The “Red Berets” said gun violence in the US carries global implications as it is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament which is meant to unite nations and celebrate humanity through sports.
“Yet, in the midst of recurring shootings and the inability of authorities to curb violence, serious questions arise about whether the US can guarantee safety for players, fans and tourists.
“FIFA cannot ignore this reality. It has a duty to ensure that all qualifying nations, their delegations and ordinary supporters will be safe in a country where mass shootings are almost weekly news. A nation that cannot guarantee its children safety in classrooms cannot be assumed ready to protect the world on its soil,” the party added.
Meanwhile, the BBC has confirmed that the FBI and Utah officials have released a new video showing the suspect fleeing the scene of the crime – running across the roof and dropping over the edge before entering a wooded area.
