The head of South Africa's police force, General Fanie Masemola, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Pretoria early this morning. Armed assailants ambushed his convoy, opening fire with automatic weapons. Masemola's security detail returned fire, forcing the attackers to flee.
Two officers sustained non-life threatening injuries. In response, a team of UK counter-terrorism advisors has been deployed to assist local authorities. The British High Commission confirmed the deployment, citing a longstanding partnership in tackling organised crime and extremism.
The attack has reignited concerns over rising violence against state officials in South Africa, where police face mounting threats from criminal networks. Masemola, a key figure in the fight against corruption and illicit mining, had recently been targeted in a series of threats. The UK advisors will focus on intelligence sharing and protective security measures.
This incident underscores the precarious safety of public servants in regions where organised crime challenges the state's authority.
