The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) condemns in the strongest possible terms the brutal assassination of community activist and organiser, Comrade Mokoena Letsie, who was reportedly gunned down in Potchefstroom in what all indications suggest was a targeted political killing.
According to reports, Comrade Letsie was shot sixteen times at point-blank range by two armed assassins. This was not an ordinary criminal act. This bears all the hallmarks of a calculated political assassination aimed at silencing a militant voice of the poor, the working class, and shack dwellers.
SAFTU sends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, comrades, and the broader community structures with whom Comrade Letsie worked tirelessly.
We are deeply alarmed that this is reportedly not the first attempt on his life. The allegations that his shack had previously been sprayed with bullets and that he had received threats over a prolonged period demand urgent and independent investigation.
South Africa cannot normalise the assassination of activists, whistleblowers, community organisers, trade unionists, and political dissidents. The growing trend of violence against those who organise poor communities and challenge corruption, landlessness, inequality, evictions, and social injustice is a direct threat to democracy itself.
Comrade Mokoena Letsie reportedly organised among informal settlement communities, fought against the brutalisation of shack dwellers, and stood firmly in solidarity with oppressed people internationally, including the people of Palestine. Whether one agreed with his politics or not, no political disagreement can ever justify assassination.
SAFTU calls on the South African Police Service to leave no stone unturned in identifying:
- The gunmen who carried out this murder
- Those who financed the assassination
- Those who planned and ordered it; and
- Any political, criminal, or business networks connected to this killing.
The investigation must be handled with urgency, professionalism, transparency, and independence. South Africans have seen too many political killings end without arrests, prosecutions, or convictions. Impunity only encourages further assassinations.
We further call on civil society organisations, community movements, progressive formations, and democratic forces to unite against the growing criminalisation and violent suppression of activism.
Political contestation must never be settled through bullets.
The deepening social crisis of unemployment, poverty, hunger, inequality, corruption, collapsing public services, and worsening living conditions has generated rising anger and protest in working class communities. Instead of responding with repression, intimidation, assassinations, or violence, the state and political establishment must address the root causes of the crisis.
SAFTU reiterates that the struggle for land, housing, electricity, jobs, dignity, and freedom for the working class and the poor cannot be killed through assassinations.
We salute the courage and commitment of Comrade Mokoena Letsie.
Hamba kahle qhawe.
A statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by the General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi.
For media inquiries, contact
National Spokesperson
Newton Masuku
newtonm@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer
Asive Dyani
0719019564
