South African police have assembled a specialised multidisciplinary task team to investigate the fatal shooting of March and March Gauteng leader Andile Somgaxa, whose death has intensified public attention on political activism, illegal migration debates and vigilantism.
Somgaxa died in hospital on 9 July after being shot outside his Greenfield home in Johannesburg on 4 July. His family and supporters believe the attack was a targeted assassination connected to his public role in organising anti-illegal migration demonstrations.
Although investigators have not confirmed a motive, police have elevated the case and assigned experienced detectives together with crime intelligence officers to identify those responsible.
Special Investigation Team Prioritises Murder Case
South African Police Service Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane authorised the formation of the multidisciplinary team in consultation with Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the unit has been instructed to treat the investigation as a priority while pursuing every available lead.
Dimpane condemned the killing, describing it as a serious crime that requires a comprehensive investigation. She said investigators would leave no avenue unexplored until those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The establishment of a dedicated task team reflects the significance attached to the case, particularly as tensions surrounding illegal immigration and community protests have become increasingly visible across several parts of South Africa during recent months.
While March and March has become one of the more recognisable groups participating in demonstrations against illegal immigration, authorities have stressed that criminal investigations will focus solely on evidence rather than political affiliations or public opinion.
Police Warn Against Vigilantism
Alongside the murder investigation, police have renewed warnings against individuals or organisations attempting to enforce immigration laws themselves.
Dimpane expressed concern about what she described as growing vigilante-style conduct carried out under the banner of community activism. She reminded the public that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of authorised law enforcement agencies and government departments.
The warning follows the recent arrest of five suspects in Marapong, Limpopo, who allegedly impersonated Department of Home Affairs officials and demanded that foreign nationals leave the community.
Police said the suspects allegedly intimidated a Nigerian businessman and forced him to shut down his business, claiming foreign nationals were prohibited from operating businesses in South Africa.
Subsequent verification by the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the businessman was legally residing in South Africa and possessed valid documentation permitting him to conduct business.
Authorities said the incident demonstrates the dangers of self-appointed immigration enforcement and reinforces the importance of following lawful procedures.
Police reiterated that no private individual or community group has the authority to inspect immigration documents, determine a person’s legal status or remove individuals from any community.
The South African Police Service said intimidation, violence and acts of vigilantism directed at foreign nationals or any other residents would continue to be investigated and prosecuted under South African law.
Investigators have appealed for anyone with information relating to Somgaxa’s murder to cooperate with law enforcement as efforts continue to identify those responsible.
Source: The Citizen / South African Police Service (SAPS).