Gauteng gets tough on high-priority threats with new SAPS task forces

Share the Article:

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has established two specialised units in Gauteng to significantly strengthen its organised crime response against high-priority threats.

According to the police ministry, the formation of these units forms part of SAPS’ broader organised crime strategy, which will guide the policing response to increasingly complex and coordinated criminal activities. 

“Through this strategy, the SAPS is progressively implementing a range of targeted measures and interventions to combat the various manifestations of organised crime.

“Gauteng’s specialised Political Killings Task Team will investigate political assassinations and politically motivated killings targeting government officials.

“The establishment of the unit follows the proven effectiveness of the Political Killings Task Team model in addressing complex and highly sensitive cases,” said Kamogelo Mogotsi, spokesperson for the ministry.

Well-resourced Gauteng PKTT

Mogotsi emphasised that Gauteng Police’s Political Killings Task Team is skilled and well-resourced across various disciplines.

She added, “These members bring a wealth of expertise and vast investigative experience, ensuring that the unit is well equipped to deal with intricate and high-profile cases.

ALSO READ | ATM Bomb Plot Foiled: Seven suspects nabbed in Klerksdorp

“A second specialised unit will target crimes like kidnapping, extortion, and infrastructure offences, increasingly linked to organised crime networks undermining economic development and public safety.

“Both units are operational and are designed to function as intelligence-driven, specialised, team-orientated, multidisciplinary and prosecution-led structures.”

Mogotsi highlighted that these SAPS units aim to strengthen capacity against organised crime, ensuring serious offenders are brought to justice.