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Lesufi Raises Alarm Over Rising Political Killings in Gauteng
A troubling rise in violence
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has voiced deep concern over the growing number of political killings across the province. Speaking to reporters this week, he revealed that the African National Congress, the party he represents, has observed a disturbing pattern of murders targeting councillors, government officials, and other public servants in recent months.
“These killings are not innocent,” he said, underlining the seriousness of the trend.
Looking back to move forward
Lesufi confirmed that police investigations will not only focus on recent cases but also revisit dockets dating as far back as 2010. The aim is to bring long-overdue justice to families who have been waiting years for answers. According to Lesufi, this will require the establishment of a specialised provincial task team, bringing together the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to handle politically sensitive cases.
A dedicated task team
The premier announced that a new Political Killings Task Team will be launched in the next four weeks. This unit will be tasked with investigating high-profile murders linked to politics and government administration in Gauteng. Families of victims and whistle-blowers who have provided critical information are being urged to come forward and work with the unit to help resolve the cases.
Lesufi said the initiative represents an important step forward, with planning and resourcing already underway. He added that the task team will also take into account other forms of targeted violence, including incidents involving taxi industry leaders who have been killed in the province.
National context
While Gauteng prepares for its new task team, similar moves are unfolding elsewhere. In KwaZulu-Natal, the national police commissioner has handed back 121 dockets linked to political killings, with investigations resuming after a period of delay. The wave of violence has long been a challenge in KZN, and Gauteng now finds itself grappling with a similar trend.
A call for peace
Lesufi stressed that the province stands firmly against violence as a means of resolving political disputes. He thanked the Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, for moving quickly to support the Gauteng government in setting up the new unit, describing it as a breakthrough in the fight against political violence.
For the premier, the message is clear: Gauteng must not allow political intolerance to undermine democracy or put lives at risk. “We owe it to the families of victims to resolve these matters once and for all,” he said.
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Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: News24
