The March and March Movement says it will intensify its weekly demonstrations following the death of Gauteng leader Andile Mvuyelwa Somgada.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ ANA Studio
Acting SAPS National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has appointed a multidisciplinary team of experienced detectives and crime intelligence officers to investigate the murder of March and March Gauteng leader Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa.
The team was established in consultation with Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.
Somgaxa was shot in the driveway of his Greenfield, Johannesburg, home on July 3 and died in hospital 10 days later, on July 13.
Lieutenant General Dimpane issued a strong condemnation of the attack, assuring members of the public that the SAPS would spare no effort to identify, locate, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
According to a report by IOL, March and March said it expected police to conduct a thorough investigation into Somgaxa's killing and vowed to continue its demonstrations despite his death.
Lieutenant General Dimpane said: "The appointment of a multidisciplinary team underscores the seriousness with which SAPS is treating this matter. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding this murder and to ensure accountability.”
In addition, she delivered a firm warning to individuals and groups who persist in harassing, intimidating, and committing violence against foreign nationals, emphasising that such unlawful actions will not be tolerated.
Additionally, Lieutenant General Dimpane welcomed the arrest of five individuals in Lephalale, Limpopo, who allegedly impersonated officials from the Department of Home Affairs and unlawfully demanded that foreign nationals vacate Marapong township.
The incident involved a Nigerian national who was allegedly intimidated into closing his business by a group claiming that foreign nationals were not permitted to operate businesses in South Africa.
The Department of Home Affairs later verified his documentation, confirming he was legally in the country with valid authorisation to run his business.
"The law applies equally to everyone. No individual or group has the authority to conduct immigration inspections, verify legal status, or remove people from communities. Those responsibilities rest solely with law enforcement agencies and relevant government departments," said Lieutenant General Dimpane.
SAPS added that any acts of vigilantism, intimidation, or violence will be met with decisive action.
IOL NEWS