Police in the North West have launched an intensive search for the killers of Mahikeng anti-crime activist Thato Molosankwe, who was shot and killed at his home in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Molosankwe was attacked at his residence in Lomanyaneng village near Mahikeng when unknown gunmen allegedly opened fire on him, leaving him with multiple gunshot wounds.
His murder has sent shockwaves through the community, where he was widely recognised for his outspoken stance against crime and alleged corruption.
Acting national police commissioner Puleng Dimpane has instructed police to deploy maximum resources to ensure those behind the killing are tracked down and arrested.
North West police spokesperson Adel Myburgh said the leadership of the South African Police Service (SAPS) was treating the case with the utmost urgency.
“Lieutenant-General Dimpane has strongly condemned the brutal murder and assured the community that no stone will be left unturned until those responsible are found and brought to book,” said Myburgh.
She said Molosankwe had developed a close working relationship with local police through his anti-crime activism.
“He has been described as a community-minded individual who played an important role in supporting police efforts to combat crime and corruption, while also helping strengthen relations between SAPS and communities,” she said.
The killing is expected to reignite fears over the safety of activists and whistleblowers who openly challenge criminal activity and alleged wrongdoing in their communities.
Police have not yet revealed a motive for the murder, but investigators are expected to closely examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit has taken over the investigation.
Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tip-offs through the MySAPS App.
Molosankwe, who described himself as a Pan-Africanist, had recently spoken publicly about undocumented foreign nationals and business compliance in South Africa.
“Every person living in South Africa must be documented. I am documented,” he said in a recent social media video.
“We must follow the laws governing businesses. Government knows what it should do, but it is not doing that. They want me and you to focus on each other as Africans.”
He added: “I cannot speak against fellow African brothers, but I can confront them on documentation issues and business compliance. What we need is unity as Africans — Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, everybody. We must respect the laws of South Africa and reclaim the land and minerals.”
A family member told the South African Broadcasting Corporation that Molosankwe stayed in a room located on the family’s business premises.
According to the relative, his younger brother, who also lived on the property, alerted family members after learning about the shooting. By the time relatives arrived at the scene, police had already sealed off the area and they were unable to see the body.
Community members described Molosankwe as a committed grassroots activist who helped young people with business registrations and community development initiatives.
“He worked for the community and helped our children,” one resident said.
