Top police official warns of political violence
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili has revealed that although protest activity has declined, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal continue to experience isolated and localised demonstrations, with most remaining peaceful and within the confines of the law.
As South Africa prepares for its forthcoming local government elections, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, co-chair of the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), has issued a stern warning regarding politically motivated violence. Speaking at a media briefing on Friday, Mosikili emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat illegal migration through coordinated response operations.
He cautioned that anyone plotting politically motivated attacks or assassinations would face arrest and substantial prison time upon conviction. The warning stems from growing concerns over potential anti-foreigner sentiments and political killings that could influence the upcoming elections, though there is no concrete evidence to support this assertion.
Mosikili noted a decline in protests across the country but stressed the importance of vigilance as the elections approach. She highlighted a recent police operation in Pietermaritzburg, which resulted in the arrest of more than 30 migrants. The lieutenant general praised protesters for their peaceful demonstrations and reiterated the government's commitment to security amidst concerns over illegal migration.
The broader context includes the murder of political party members and councillors nationwide. NATJOINTS is particularly concerned about these assassinations and has commended the Political Killing Task Team (PKTT) for its efforts in apprehending suspects linked to these violent acts. Established in 2018, the PKTT has made significant strides, arresting over 400 suspects, including more than 180 alleged hitmen, in connection with politically motivated murders and other crimes.
Mosikili called for political tolerance and cautioned against any plans for attacks or violence motivated by political gain. Since 2018, the PKTT, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, has been instrumental in solving complex politically motivated murder cases and related offenses. Despite the time-consuming nature of investigations, the task team has consistently succeeded in apprehending suspects, demonstrating its expertise and effectiveness in addressing political violence.
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