Gauteng Welcomes New SAPS Units to Tackle Political Killings and Kidnappings

One of the newly created units will focus specifically on investigating political assassinations and politically motivated killings of government officials.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has welcomed the South African Police Service’s decision to establish two specialised investigative units aimed at tackling politically motivated killings and organised crimes such as kidnappings and extortion.

The units were announced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) last week as part of efforts to strengthen the province’s capacity to combat complex and organised criminal activities.

Specialised Unit to Probe Political Killings

One of the newly created units will focus specifically on investigating political assassinations and politically motivated killings of government officials.

According to the committee, the unit will adopt a structure similar to the Political Killings Task Team, which previously demonstrated the effectiveness of dedicated investigative teams in addressing targeted and organised violence.

“This unit will mirror the model of the Political Killings Task Team, which has previously demonstrated the importance of dedicated investigative capacity in dealing with targeted and organised violence,” the committee said in a statement.

Officials believe that a specialised approach will enhance investigative efficiency and improve prosecution outcomes in cases involving politically motivated violence.

New Task Team to Target Kidnapping and Extortion

The second specialised unit will focus on kidnappings, extortion and criminal activities targeting infrastructure projects, crimes that authorities say have grown increasingly sophisticated in Gauteng.

The committee warned that these crimes pose a serious threat to public safety, economic stability and service delivery, particularly when they target major infrastructure and development projects.

By concentrating investigative resources on these offences, law enforcement aims to disrupt organised criminal networks involved in extortion and kidnapping syndicates.

Rising Crime Statistics Raise Alarm

The committee’s support for the specialised units follows a recent briefing by Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, who presented the third-quarter crime statistics for the 2025/26 financial year, covering October to December 2025.

During the briefing, lawmakers were informed that 10 police officers were murdered in Gauteng within just three months.

Of these:

• Four officers were killed while on duty

• Six officers were killed while off duty

The committee described the killings as a deeply disturbing trend.

“The murder of a police officer is not only an attack on an individual, but a direct attack on the rule of law and the authority of the State,” the committee said.

It also stressed that those responsible for killing police officers must face the harshest possible legal consequences.

Kidnapping Cases Continue to Rise

Lawmakers also expressed concern about the increasing number of kidnapping cases in Gauteng.

Provincial crime statistics show that kidnappings rose by approximately 2.1% between October and December 2025, often linked to organised criminal syndicates involved in extortion and ransom schemes.

“These crimes have become a significant threat to communities, businesses and public officials,” the committee said.

The newly established specialised unit is expected to strengthen investigative capacity and disrupt organised networks responsible for kidnapping and related crimes.

Intelligence-Driven Crime-Fighting Approach

The Police Ministry also welcomed the formation of the specialised units, noting that both teams are already operational.

According to the ministry, the units are structured as intelligence-driven, multidisciplinary and prosecution-led teams designed to effectively investigate and dismantle organised criminal networks.

“The establishment of these units demonstrates the SAPS’ commitment to strengthening its capacity to disrupt and dismantle organised criminal networks, while ensuring that perpetrators of serious crimes are brought to justice,” the ministry said.

Strengthening Oversight and Public Safety

The Portfolio Committee said it will continue to exercise its oversight responsibilities to ensure that the specialised units receive adequate resources and coordination to deliver results.

Lawmakers emphasised that improving safety in Gauteng remains a priority and reaffirmed their support for initiatives that strengthen law enforcement’s ability to protect communities.

“Ultimately, the safety of Gauteng residents must remain a national priority and the Committee stands firmly behind all initiatives that strengthen the ability of law enforcement to protect communities and uphold the rule of law,” the committee said.