By Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
National SAPS Spokesperson
The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, in consultation with the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, has assembled a multidisciplinary team of seasoned detectives and crime intelligence officers to lead the investigation into the murder of March and March Gauteng leader, Mr Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa.
Mr Somgaxa was shot in the driveway of his home in Greenfield, Johannesburg, on 04 July 2026 and succumbed to his injuries in hospital on 09 July 2026.
Lieutenant General Dimpane has strongly condemned the attack and assured the public that SAPS will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible are identified, traced and brought to justice.
“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,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.
Meanwhile, the Acting National Commissioner has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups who continue to intimidate, harass and perpetrate violence against foreign nationals, stating that such actions are unlawful and will not be tolerated.
Lieutenant General Dimpane has welcomed the arrest of five suspects in Lephalale, Limpopo, who allegedly posed as officials from the Department of Home Affairs and unlawfully demanded the removal of foreign nationals from the Marapong township.
The incident involved a Nigerian national who was intimidated and forced to close his business after the group allegedly claimed that foreign nationals were not permitted to operate businesses in South Africa. The Department of Home Affaira subsequently verified the individual’s documentation and confirmed that he was legally in the country and valid documentation 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 reminds members of the public that only authorised law enforcement officials may conduct inspections and verify the legal status of individuals within the Republic of South Africa. Any acts of intimidation, vigilantism or violence will be dealt with decisively.
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