The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team has discovered the body of a missing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party member, bringing a tragic end to the search for 51-year-old Aaron Makola, who disappeared earlier this month.

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said Makola was reported missing after he vanished on 10 July 2026. A day later, on 11 July, his vehicle was found abandoned, raising concerns about his whereabouts and prompting an investigation.

Mathe said the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team officially took over the investigation on 20 July after engaging with Makola’s family and obtaining information that investigators believed could assist in tracing him.

“An extensive investigation led members of the GP PKTT to Delmas on Thursday, July 30, 2026, where the EFF member was tragically found,” she said.

Mathe added that preliminary investigations indicate that Makola had been shot dead before his body was dumped in a bush. His family has since positively identified his remains.

“Investigations are at an advanced stage to identify and apprehend those responsible for the murder, including both the perpetrators and any individuals who may have orchestrated the crime,” said Mathe.

Authorities have not yet established a motive for the killing, and the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team continues its investigation.

In another case, a 34-year-old man appeared before the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court for the murder of Monica Dube, the Election Coordinator and Secretary for the EFF in Tshwane Region Two. Sipho Lucky Mahlangu is facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder. He abandoned his bail application. 

It is alleged that during the early hours of June 13, Mahlangu and an accomplice broke into the deceased’s residence in Wallmansthal through a window.

The pair allegedly entered her bedroom and shot her in the head while her children were present. After fleeing the scene, they allegedly stole her cellphone, which was reported missing.

On July 4, Mahlangu was spotted at a taxi rank by the deceased’s daughter, who alerted the police, leading to his subsequent arrest. For further investigations, the matter has been postponed to September 17.

First published by IOL