“We Will Hunt You Down”: SAPS Sends Strong Message to Political Killers
- SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili issued a direct warning to anyone planning election-related attacks
- The Political Killings Task Team has arrested more than 400 suspects since 2018, including over 180 alleged hitmen
- Several political murders involving members from the MK Party, ANC, EFF and DA have been reported since January
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
SOUTH AFRICA — The South African Police Service has put those planning politically motivated violence on notice ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, warning that perpetrators will face prosecution and lengthy prison terms.
Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili addressed a media briefing on Friday, expressing concern over a pattern of attacks targeting political party members, election candidates and sitting councillors across the country.
"We are issuing a stern warning to anyone who is planning attacks, assassinations or acts of violence for political gain: you will be arrested, prosecuted and, upon conviction, face lengthy prison sentences," Mosikili said.
He emphasised that political disagreements could never serve as justification for taking a life.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Political killings task team's track record
Since its establishment in 2018, the Political Killings Task Team has arrested more than 400 suspects, among them over 180 alleged hitmen connected to politically motivated crimes. Seven suspects have already been arrested in relation to cases reported this year alone.
SAPS confirmed that multiple political murders have been recorded since January, with victims and targets drawn from the MK Party, the ANC, the EFF and the Democratic Alliance.
"These arrests demonstrate that those responsible for politically motivated violence will be pursued relentlessly," Mosikili said.
Nationwide election security plan
Alongside the warning, SAPS has activated a comprehensive election security strategy covering the entire country. The plan incorporates intelligence-led operations, visible policing deployments, crowd management and the physical protection of key electoral infrastructure and facilities.
Mosikili said the objective was to create conditions in which all South Africans could exercise their democratic right to vote without fear or intimidation.
"We once again warn anyone intending to destabilise the electoral environment or intimidate political parties, candidates or communities through violence that law enforcement is ready," he said.
Members of the public have been urged to report any threats or suspicious behaviour connected to the elections to their nearest police station as the country moves closer to the vote.
3 Briefly articles on political killings
- Briefly News reported that ward 17 eThekwini municipality councillor, who was a member of the African National Congress, was shot dead in Klaarwater on 7 August 2026
- Siphiwe Thusini, a former MK Party member and anti-illegal immigration activist, was shot dead in KwaMashu on 31 July 2026.
- Democratic Alliance by-election candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe was fatally shot in Dunoon on 20 June 2026.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
