The search for missing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member Aaron Makola has ended in tragedy after police discovered his body in Delmas, Mpumalanga, nearly three weeks after he vanished.
Makola, 51, was reported missing on 10 July 2026. The following day, on 11 July, his vehicle was found abandoned, heightening fears about his safety and prompting a police investigation.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team later took over the case as concerns grew about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Mathe said the specialised unit assumed responsibility for 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.
Shot Before Body Was Dumped
According to Mathe, preliminary findings indicate that Makola had been shot before his body was discarded in a bush in the Delmas area.
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. The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team continues to pursue leads as part of its ongoing investigation.
The task team was established to investigate politically motivated killings and related crimes in the province. Its involvement in Makola’s disappearance underscored early suspicions that his case could have broader implications.
Growing Concerns Over Political Violence
Makola’s death comes amid heightened sensitivity around attacks on political figures and activists in parts of the country. While police have not confirmed any political motive, the fact that the matter was escalated to the Political Killings Task Team suggests investigators are examining all possible angles.
At this stage, no arrests have been announced in connection with Makola’s murder.
Police have indicated that further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
Separate Case: Man Appears in Court for Murder of EFF Regional Leader
In a separate but equally disturbing case, a 34-year-old man has appeared in the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of Monica Dube, the Election Coordinator and Secretary for the EFF in Tshwane Region Two.
Sipho Lucky Mahlangu faces charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder.
He has abandoned his bail application.
According to allegations presented in court, during the early hours of 13 June, Mahlangu and an accomplice broke into Dube’s home in Wallmansthal through a window.
It is alleged that the pair 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.
The case took a turn on 4 July when Mahlangu was reportedly spotted at a taxi rank by Dube’s daughter. She alerted police, leading to his arrest.
The matter has been postponed to 17 September for further investigations.
Two Cases Under Scrutiny
While the two cases are not linked by police at this stage, both have placed renewed focus on violence affecting members of political organisations in Gauteng.
In Makola’s case, investigators are working to determine who was responsible for his killing and whether it was politically motivated or driven by other factors.
In Dube’s case, court proceedings will continue as prosecutors build their case against the accused.
For now, families in both matters are left seeking justice as investigations and court processes unfold.
Police have urged anyone with information relating to Makola’s murder or any related incidents to come forward as efforts continue to bring those responsible to account.
