28/05/2026
CALLS GROW FOR POLITICAL KILLINGS TASK TEAM AFTER ACTIVIST MOKOENA LETSIE MURDERED
POTCHEFSTROOM - Pressure is mounting for the urgent deployment of the Political Killings Task Team in the North West following the murder of activist Mokoena Letsie, barely a week after the killing of another prominent community activist, Thato Molosankwe.
The Bophuthatswana Civil Movement on Thursday said activists in the province were now living under fear as attacks on outspoken community figures continue to rise.
"Activists' heads are on the chopping board in North West," the organisation said in a strongly worded statement following Letsie's murder.
Letsie, also known as Daniel Letsie Makhabe, was shot dead on Wednesday evening at the Hashtag Informal Settlement in Sonderwater, Ikageng, near Potchefstroom.
North West police confirmed that Ikageng police are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder after two men were shot during the incident.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said officers responded to reports of a shooting and found spent cartridges and live ammunition at the scene.
The victims had already been transported to hospital in a private vehicle before police arrived.
Morake said 40-year-old Letsie sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead on arrival at hospital, while another man who suffered a gunshot wound to the head remains in a serious condition.
No arrests have been made.
The Bophuthatswana Civil Movement alleged that Letsie was shot 17 times in what authorities suspect may have been a targeted political killing.
The organisation said the murder has intensified fears following the recent assassination of Mahikeng activist Thato "Senganga" Molosankwe, who was gunned down last week.
"Following the assassination of Thato Molosankwe, the Acting Provincial Police Commissioner promised swift action and arrests. To this day, however, the community continues to wait in hope," the movement said.
The organisation is now demanding that the Political Killings Task Team be deployed to the province with sufficient resources to investigate attacks against activists and community leaders.
Letsie was widely known for his activism and outspoken views on social justice issues. He was linked to the South African Council of Churches and founded the Potch4Palestine movement.
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management Wessels Morweng described the killing as shocking and condemned what he called a suspected hit.
"The killing of Mokoena follows on the heels of the similar killing of another social activist, Thato Molosankwe, who was killed by assailants last week," said Morweng.
"We are still mourning the loss of Thato who was killed last week and this week is Mokoena. Who are these people who have no regard for lives? Our police are out to look for the murderers and I am calling on communities who might have information to share it with police. We will hunt them down."
North West Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Dr Ryno Naidoo also condemned the murder and urged members of the public to assist police investigations.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Tommy Sekhu of the Ikageng Detectives on 082 661 6528, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit anonymous tip-offs through the MySAPS App.
The Bophuthatswana Civil Movement further renewed calls for a referendum on the return of the death penalty for violent crimes such as murder, r**e and armed robbery.
The organisation conveyed condolences to both the Letsie and Molosankwe families, saying communities would only find closure once those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
