Police, Muslim leaders establish task team to improve law enforcement at places of worship

Photo of Acting Police Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia 

Acting Police Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has announced the establishment of a dedicated task team aimed at improving the way law enforcement operations are conducted in and around places of worship following concerns raised by Muslim religious leaders.

The announcement was made after Cachalia met with representatives of the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) on Thursday, 30 July 2026. The meeting was also attended by Member of Parliament Imraan Subrathie.

The engagement followed a letter from the UUCSA, a national umbrella body representing several of South Africa's leading Muslim theological councils, highlighting concerns over South African Police Service immigration enforcement operations conducted near places of worship.

According to the organisation, some operations had caused considerable anxiety among congregants and created a perception that places of worship were becoming focal points for immigration related enforcement activities.

Following discussions with all stakeholders, Cachalia announced that a task team comprising representatives from the UUCSA, the SAPS operational environment and the Ministry of Police would be established.

The task team has been tasked with developing practical protocols to guide law enforcement operations in a way that ensures policing remains effective while minimising disruption during religious services and protecting the dignity and sanctity of places of worship. The team will report its recommendations to both the Minister and the leadership of the UUCSA.

Cachalia also said he would engage the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, who would work with Provincial Commissioners to ensure the outcomes of the meeting are reflected in operational leadership and promote greater consistency in policing practices across the country.

The initiative is expected to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement and religious communities while ensuring that policing is carried out with respect for constitutional rights and freedom of worship.

Missing EFF member found dead as Gauteng Political Killings Task Team intensifies murder investigation

Photo of 51 year old Aaron Makola found deceased 

The body of a missing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member has been found in Delmas following an extensive investigation by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (GP PKTT).

The victim, 51 year old Aaron Makola, was reported missing after he disappeared in Bronkhorstspruit on 10 July 2026. His vehicle was discovered abandoned the following day, raising concerns about his whereabouts.

The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team officially took over the investigation on 20 July 2026 after engaging with Makola's family and obtaining crucial information relating to his disappearance.

Following days of intensive investigative work, members of the specialised unit traced the case to Delmas on Thursday, 30 July 2026, where Makola's body was discovered in a bush. Preliminary investigations indicate that he had been shot before his body was dumped at the scene.

His family has since positively identified the deceased.

South African Police Service National Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said investigators are making significant progress in the case.

"Investigations are at an advanced stage to identify and apprehend those responsible for the murder, including both the perpetrators and any individuals who may have orchestrated the crime," said Mathe.

Police are continuing with their investigation to determine the motive behind the killing while efforts to trace those responsible remain ongoing.

No arrests have been made at this stage. Authorities have appealed for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward as detectives work to bring those responsible to justice.