Gauteng police form specialised units for kidnappings, killings

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has welcomed the establishment of two specialised units by the police to combat political killings, kidnappings and extortion in Gauteng.

In a statement issued by Thebe Khumalo on behalf of committee chairperson Bandile Masuku, the committee said the move represents a decisive step toward confronting some of the province’s most dangerous and complex criminal threats.

“We welcome the establishment of these specialised units as a critical intervention in strengthening the fight against violent and organised crime in Gauteng,” Khumalo said.

The first specialised unit will focus on investigating political assassinations and politically motivated killings of government officials, mirroring the model of the Political Killings Task Team, which has previously shown the value of dedicated investigative capacity in addressing targeted violence.

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The second specialised unit will focus on kidnappings, extortion and criminal activities targeting infrastructure projects, crimes which have become increasingly sophisticated and coordinated.

“These crimes pose a serious threat not only to public safety, but also to economic stability and service delivery in the province,” Khumalo said.

The announcement comes amid alarming crime statistics presented to the committee by Tommy Mthombeni, Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner, during a briefing on March 5.

During the presentation of the third-quarter crime statistics for the 2025/ 26 financial year, covering October to December 2025, the committee was informed that 10 police officers were murdered in Gauteng within just three months.

Of these, four were killed while on duty and six while off duty.

“The murder of a police officer is not only an attack on an individual but a direct attack on the rule of law and the authority of the state. Those responsible for killing police officers must face the full might of the law and receive the harshest possible sentences,” Khumalo continued.

The committee also raised concern about the growing trend of kidnappings in the province, with statistics showing a 2.1% increase in kidnapping cases during the period under review.

“Kidnappings linked to organised criminal networks and extortion schemes have become a significant threat to communities, businesses and public officials.”

The committee added that it will continue to exercise oversight to ensure the specialised units are properly resourced, coordinated and able to deliver measurable results in the fight against crime.

“The safety of Gauteng residents must remain a national priority.”