Police launch nationwide manhunt after killing of March and March activist Andile Somgaxa

A specialised South African Police Service (SAPS) task team has been deployed to investigate the fatal shooting of March and March Gauteng leader Andile Somgaxa, as authorities intensify efforts to track down those responsible for his death.

The investigation comes amid heightened tensions surrounding anti-illegal migration protests, with police also warning that acts of intimidation and violence against foreign nationals will not be tolerated.

Activist dies days after shooting

Somgaxa was shot in the driveway of his Greenfield home in Johannesburg on 4 July 2026. Despite receiving medical treatment, he died in hospital five days later, on 9 July.

His family and members of the March and March movement believe the attack was a targeted assassination linked to his outspoken role in demonstrations against illegal immigration.

While that claim has drawn public attention, police have not confirmed a motive and say investigations remain ongoing.

Elite police team assigned to the case

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, together with Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, has assembled a multidisciplinary team of experienced detectives and crime intelligence officers to lead the investigation.

According to SAPS, the team has been instructed to prioritise the case and pursue every possible lead.

Dimpane condemned the killing, saying investigators would leave “no stone unturned” in identifying and prosecuting those responsible.

“The appointment of a multidisciplinary team underscores the seriousness with which SAPS is treating this matter. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding this murder and to ensure accountability,” Dimpane said.

Police issue warning over vigilantism

Alongside the murder investigation, SAPS has renewed its warning against individuals and community groups taking immigration enforcement into their own hands.

The warning follows growing incidents in which groups have allegedly intimidated, harassed or threatened foreign nationals during anti-illegal migration campaigns.

Police say concerns are mounting over what they describe as vigilante-style behaviour masquerading as community activism.

Arrests in Limpopo highlight growing concern

The warning comes shortly after the arrest of five suspects in Lephalale, Limpopo, who allegedly posed as Department of Home Affairs officials.

According to police, the group allegedly confronted a Nigerian national in Marapong township, demanding that he shut down his business while claiming foreign nationals were prohibited from operating businesses in South Africa.

Subsequent checks by the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the businessman was legally residing in South Africa and possessed valid documentation allowing him to operate his business.

Immigration enforcement remains government’s responsibility

SAPS stressed that only authorised law enforcement agencies and government departments have the legal authority to verify immigration status or conduct immigration-related operations.

Dimpane reminded the public that no private individual or organisation has the power to carry out inspections, demand documentation or remove people from communities.

“The law applies equally to everyone. No individual or group has the authority to conduct immigration inspections, verify legal status, or remove people from communities.”

Police warned that acts of intimidation, harassment, vigilantism or violence directed at foreign nationals will be investigated and dealt with in accordance with the law.

A tense national debate

Somgaxa’s death comes at a time when immigration remains one of South Africa’s most fiercely debated public issues.

Community movements calling for stronger action against illegal immigration have gained visibility in several provinces, while human rights organisations have repeatedly cautioned against unlawful actions targeting migrants and refugees.

As the investigation into Somgaxa’s killing continues, authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward while allowing detectives to establish the motive behind the fatal shooting.

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Source: thecitizen.co.za