The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended the newly established Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) for making significant breakthroughs in investigations into the murders of political party members and ward councillors in Gauteng.
Investigation into the murder of ANC councillor Thabang Masemola
In the first case, the GP PKTT recently arrested two suspects for the murder of Thabang Masemola, an ANC ward 10 councillor in the City of Tshwane. Masemola was murdered on 08 July 2025 in Mamelodi East. The two suspects arrested include the alleged hitman and a woman who is believed to have played a role in planning the murder of the councillor.
The pair will reappear before the Mamelodi Magistrate's Court where the PKTT will link the hitman, 41-year-old Vusimuzi Champ Gebuza, to two additional cases of murder and attempted murder of two other individuals. These cases all took place in Mamelodi in 2023 and 2024.
Arrests connected to the death of EFF member Aaron Makola
In the second case, following the discovery of the body of EFF member Aaron Makola by the PKTT, investigators from the Gauteng PKTT tracked down and arrested his alleged killers. Over the weekend, three suspects, aged 40, 42 and 44, were arrested and are expected to appear before the Delmas Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 05 August 2026, on charges of murder, kidnapping and robbery.
Commitment to combating violent crime
Lieutenant General Dimpane has praised the dedication and professionalism of the Guateng Political Killings Task Team. These breakthroughs demonstrate SAPS' unwavering commitment to ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are track down and brought before the courts. The leadership commends the team's tireless efforts and assures the families of the victims, as well as the people of Gauteng, of a resolute fight against violent crime and politically motivated killings.