News Desk Reporter
The murder of March and March Gauteng leader Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa has sparked widespread condemnation.
Both the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) and police have called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Somgaxa was shot in the driveway of his Johannesburg home on 4 July and died in hospital five days later.
SAFTU condemned the killing and urged police to conduct a thorough investigation to identify, arrest and prosecute everyone involved. The federation said political violence has no place in a constitutional democracy.
It warned that if Somgaxa was targeted because of his political activities, it would add to growing concerns over political assassinations in South Africa.
However, SAFTU also distanced itself from the anti migrant views promoted by Somgaxa and the March and March movement.
“Political disagreement can never justify murder. We reject both xenophobic politics and political violence,” the federation said. It added that political differences should be resolved through debate and lawful engagement rather than intimidation or bloodshed.
SAFTU also raised concerns about the investigation into the murder of Mahikeng activist Thato Molosankwe. It said the removal of key evidence from the police docket had weakened the case and contributed to the release of two suspects.
The federation called on police and the National Prosecuting Authority to strengthen the investigation. It said everyone involved in Molosankwe’s murder must be brought to justice.
SAFTU also urged authorities to speed up the investigation into the murder of Mokoena Letsie in Potchefstroom. It said those who planned, financed or carried out political killings must face the full might of the law.
Police have appointed a multidisciplinary team of detectives and crime intelligence officers to investigate Somgaxa’s murder.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said the appointment of the specialised team reflects the seriousness of the case.
“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,” Dimpane said.
She also warned that intimidation, vigilantism and violence against foreign nationals would not be tolerated.
“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,” she said.
The warning follows the arrest of five suspects in Lephalale, Limpopo, who allegedly posed as Department of Home Affairs officials and forced a Nigerian businessman to close his shop.
Police said the group falsely claimed foreign nationals were not allowed to operate businesses in South Africa.
The Department of Home Affairs later confirmed the businessman was legally in the country and had valid documentation to run his business.