Gauteng Political Killings Task Team makes breakthrough in political murder investigations

The South African Police Service's newly established Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has made significant progress in two high-profile political murder investigations, resulting in the arrest of five suspects linked to the killings of an ANC ward councillor and an EFF member.

The arrests, announced by SAPS, mark a major step in efforts to combat politically motivated violence in Gauteng.

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commended the specialised task team for its dedication and professionalism, saying the breakthroughs demonstrate the effectiveness of focused investigations.

In the first case, investigators arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of ANC Ward 10 councillor Thabang Masemola, who was shot and killed in Mamelodi East on 8 July 2025.

The suspects include an alleged hitman, identified as 41-year-old Vusimuzi Champ Gebuza, and a woman believed to have been involved in planning the murder.

The pair are expected to reappear before the Mamelodi Magistrate's Court, where prosecutors will seek to link Gebuza to two additional cases involving murder and attempted murder. Those incidents allegedly took place in Mamelodi during 2023 and 2024.

In a separate investigation, the task team arrested three men, aged 40, 42 and 44, following the discovery of the body of EFF member Aaron Makola.

Police said investigators tracked down the suspects after gathering evidence during the investigation. The accused are expected to appear before the Delmas Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, on charges of murder, kidnapping and robbery.

Dimpane said the arrests reflect SAPS' commitment to ensuring those responsible for violent crimes are brought before the courts.

"These breakthroughs demonstrate SAPS' unwavering commitment to ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are tracked down and brought before the courts. We commend the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team for their tireless efforts and assure the families of the victims, as well as the people of Gauteng, that we remain resolute in our fight against violent crime and politically motivated killings," she said.

The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team was established to strengthen investigations into politically motivated crimes and improve the prosecution of those responsible for targeted killings.