Senzo Mchunu Defends Disbandment of Political Killings Task Team Amidst Controversy

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has staunchly defended his controversial decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), asserting that the South African Police Service (SAPS) must serve all citizens equally. Mchunu's defense came during his testimony before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee, which is investigating allegations of corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system in South Africa. He also appeared before the Madlanga Commission, a judicial inquiry established to probe the disbandment and broader allegations of interference.

Reasons for Disbandment: Temporary Nature and Resource Allocation

Mchunu issued the directive to disband the PKTT on December 31, 2024. He argued that the PKTT was never intended to be a permanent unit within the SAPS, but rather a temporary task team established for a specific purpose and timeframe. According to Mchunu, the team's continued existence was no longer necessary and did not contribute to national policing efforts. He further claimed that the PKTT had been operating illegally after 2022, as required extensions for its operation were not granted and it did not feature in the official SAPS organizational structure.

A significant point of contention raised by Mchunu was the team's financial expenditure. He stated that the PKTT was consuming a substantial portion of the SAPS budget while primarily focusing its operations in KwaZulu-Natal, thereby neglecting broader national policing needs. Mchunu emphasized that the SAPS mandate is to 'serve everybody' and that resources should be distributed equitably across the country, not concentrated on a 'small pool of excellence within KZN' or specific groups like councillors.

Duplication of Efforts and Complaints

The Minister also cited duplication of efforts as a key reason for the disbandment. He referred to a 2019 police work study that recommended the establishment of a Murder and Robbery Unit, under which investigations into political killings would fall, rendering the PKTT redundant. A subsequent work study in 2024 reiterated this recommendation. Mchunu indicated that he had received several complaints regarding the PKTT's operations, including concerns that it was flouting public finance legislation and was 'running rampant' and 'not coordinated'.

Controversy and Lack of Consultation

Mchunu's decision has been met with significant opposition. Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, publicly criticized the disbandment, alleging political interference and suggesting the directive aimed to obstruct investigations into criminal networks. Both Mkhwanazi and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola accused Mchunu of a lack of consultation regarding the disbandment. Major General Petronella van Rooyen, head of SAPS Legal Services, testified that Mchunu lacked the authority to disband the PKTT, asserting he 'unlawfully strayed into the constitutional competence of the national commissioner' by issuing the directive while Masemola was on annual leave.

Despite these criticisms, Mchunu maintained that he did not breach any law by not consulting senior police management, including Masemola, Mkhwanazi, and Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo. He stated that he had briefed President Cyril Ramaphosa on the disbandment after the fact, and that the President had agreed with his decision. Mchunu asserted that he was 'very sober' when he issued the directive and took full responsibility for it. He also cited 'risks' as a reason for not being able to consult fully with the generals.

Background of the PKTT

The Political Killings Task Team was established in 2018 (a second iteration, following an initial formation in 2016) to investigate political killings, which have been particularly prevalent in KwaZulu-Natal. The team has been credited with solving high-profile political assassinations. Its caseload included 171 murder cases, 50 attempted murder cases, 79 intimidation cases, 9 conspiracy to commit murder cases, and 24 other cases, with over 200 cases finalized, 130 accused found guilty, and 30 individuals receiving life sentences. Victims included 59 councillors, 58 political party members, and 31 political party office bearers. Notably, 35 SAPS members were also charged for interference in these cases. Despite Mchunu's directive, the PKTT is reportedly still operational.