The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) has raised concern over the killing of political party members and councillors ahead of this year’s local government elections.
It held a briefing in Pretoria, where it revealed that seven suspects have already been arrested in connection with politically motivated murders this year in four provinces.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili has warned that anyone attempting to destabilise the electoral process through violence will face the full might of the law.
“You will be arrested, prosecuted and upon conviction face a lengthy prison sentence, there is absolutely no justification for taking the life of another simply because of political intolerance, political differences or political contestations.”
Meanwhile, the South African Police Service has confirmed that the investigation into the murder of African National Congress Ward 17 councillor Sbusiso “Khekhe” Khwela, has been taken over by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team.
Police say the team will lead and coordinate the investigation.
Khwela was shot and killed inside his office by a lone gunman who posed as someone who needed assistance from him before, pulling out a gun and opening fire.
