GAUTENG – A multidisciplinary team of seasoned detectives and crime intelligence officers has been officially assembled to lead the high-priority murder investigation into the death of Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa, the Gauteng leader of the March and March movement.
The appointment of this specialized investigative unit was announced by Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, in consultation with Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni. Somgaxa was shot in the driveway of his residence in Greenfield, Johannesburg, on 04 July 2026, and subsequently succumbed to his injuries in a hospital on 09 July 2026.
Lieutenant General Dimpane strongly condemned the attack, assuring the public that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will leave no stone unturned in identifying, tracing, and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“The appointment of a multidisciplinary team underscores the seriousness with which SAPS is treating this matter,” Lieutenant General Dimpane stated. “We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding this murder and to ensure accountability.”
In a related development addressing broader public safety, the Acting National Commissioner issued a stern warning to individuals and groups perpetrating intimidation, harassment, and violence against foreign nationals, emphasizing that such actions are unlawful and will not be tolerated.
This warning follows the recent arrest of five suspects in Lephalale, Limpopo. The suspects allegedly posed as officials from the Department of Home Affairs and unlawfully demanded the removal of foreign nationals from the Marapong township. The incident specifically involved a Nigerian national who was intimidated and forced to close his business after the group falsely claimed that foreign nationals were prohibited from operating businesses in South Africa.
The Department of Home Affairs subsequently intervened, verifying the individual’s documentation and confirming that he was legally in the country and possessed valid documentation to operate his business.
Reinforcing the rule of law, Lieutenant General Dimpane stated, “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.”
SAPS has reminded the public that only authorized law enforcement officials are permitted to conduct inspections and verify the legal status of individuals within the Republic of South Africa. The police service reiterated that any acts of intimidation, vigilantism, or violence will be dealt with decisively.
