Johannesburg, South Africa – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has formed a specialized multidisciplinary team to probe the fatal shooting of Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa, the Gauteng leader of the March and March movement.
Somgaxa was shot in the driveway of his home in Greenfield, Johannesburg, on July 3, 2026. He was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries on July 13, 2026.
Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, in consultation with Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, assembled the team of seasoned detectives and Crime Intelligence officers.
Dimpane strongly condemned the attack and stated that the appointment of the multidisciplinary team highlights the seriousness with which SAPS views the case. “We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding this murder and to ensure accountability,” she said.
The March and March movement is an anti-illegal immigration group that has organized nationwide protests addressing illegal immigration, crime, unemployment, and other socio-economic issues. A march took place in Mthwalume, KwaZulu-Natal, on July 9, 2026, as part of this campaign.
Following the incident, the movement confirmed Somgaxa’s death and described him as a dedicated and peace-loving South African. Reports indicate that the group has received death threats against several leaders in provinces including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga, linked to its activities.
SAPS has emphasized that no individual or group has the authority to conduct immigration inspections or remove people from communities, and such actions are unlawful. This statement came alongside the announcement regarding Somgaxa’s case, in the context of related arrests.
Separately, Dimpane welcomed the arrest of five suspects in Lephalale, Limpopo. These individuals allegedly posed as officials from the Department of Home Affairs and demanded the removal of foreign nationals from the Marapong township. One incident involved a Nigerian national who was legally in the country and operating a business with valid documentation. The national police spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe, provided details on this case.
Dimpane issued a stern warning against intimidation, harassment, or violence against foreign nationals, stressing that the law applies equally to everyone and that only authorized government bodies handle immigration matters.
The murder investigation remains ongoing, with the dedicated team focused on identifying those responsible. Police have vowed to leave no stone unturned.
This case occurs amid broader discussions in South Africa about crime, community safety, and tensions surrounding immigration. March and March has indicated it will intensify its protests in response to the killing of its leader.
Authorities continue to appeal for any information that could assist the investigation into Somgaxa’s death. As details emerge, SAPS maintains its commitment to a comprehensive and transparent probe.
- Family of Vusimuzi Radebe seeks answers after he was beaten to death while walking home in eMalahleni
- State alleges workplace hit as three men appear over Robert Wolk murder
- One suspect killed and 10 arrested after police shootout in Cleveland, Johannesburg
- Eastern Cape taxi boss Celani Twazi shot dead in National Intervention Unit operation linked to Libode police killings
- Senior Police Officer Arrested Over Statutory Rape Allegations
