Recent events in Tshwane have sparked serious concern over law enforcement integrity in Gauteng.
Allegations that members of the South African Police Service’s Tactical Response Team (TRT) and a retired Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer were involved in criminal activity have sent shockwaves through the province.
The accused reportedly hijacked a delivery truck carrying goods valued at R900,000, using an official government vehicle in the process.
According to reports, the vehicle was equipped with blue lights—symbols of law enforcement that, in this case, were allegedly misused to commit crime.
EFF Calls Out Criminal Syndicates Within Police Ranks
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng reacted strongly, describing the incident as a brazen abuse of state power.
The party accused criminal syndicates of infiltrating law enforcement, operating under the guise of officers in uniform.
“The fact that state vehicles and police equipment were allegedly used to commit such crimes shows how deeply criminal networks have penetrated our law enforcement agencies,” the EFF stated.
Allegations Against TMPD Officers and High-Profile Criminal Links
The EFF highlighted other serious allegations against TMPD officers, pointing to the case of Victor Baloyi, who is wanted for extortion and drug trafficking.
Baloyi is also linked to a criminal gang, Bafarasai, and is implicated in political assassinations, including the murder of Ward 10 councillor Thabang Masemola in Mamelodi on 8 July 2025.
Dr Bandile Masuku, chairperson of the Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, condemned Masemola’s killing, describing it as part of a disturbing trend of escalating political violence in the province.
Calls for Accountability and Forensic Investigation
In response, the EFF has demanded decisive action from Gauteng police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni.
The party also called for a comprehensive forensic audit of the TMPD and its weapons, emphasizing the need to investigate how state assets might be misused against the very citizens they are meant to protect.
“The people of Tshwane deserve to know that their safety is not being compromised by those entrusted to uphold the law,” the EFF said.