South African police form team to probe activist murder

South African police have established a specialized investigative team to probe the murder of a prominent anti-immigration activist, as authorities issue a firm warning against vigilantism targeting foreign nationals. Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa, the Gauteng provincial leader of the group March and March, was shot in the driveway of his home in Greenfield, Johannesburg, on July 4 and succumbed to his injuries in hospital on July 9.

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane announced the formation of a multidisciplinary team comprising seasoned detectives and crime intelligence officers to lead the high-profile investigation. Dimpane stated that the appointment underscores the seriousness with which the police service is treating the case and pledged a thorough investigation to ensure accountability. The team has been mandated to prioritize the case and pursue all leads.

Somgaxa’s organization believes his killing was a targeted assassination directly linked to his role in anti-illegal immigration protests. A spokesperson for March and March described the shooting as an orchestrated hitman-type killing and stated that other leaders had recently received...