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8mo ago

Mchunu Defends Political Killings Task Team Shutdown, Admits No Pre-Decision Meeting

He told Parliament the move followed SAPS work studies, budget and misconduct concerns and was within his Section 24 authority.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu at the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee inquiry into alleged corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system at Good Hope Chambers on October 17, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The inquiry was set up to probe political interference, leadership failures, and internal dysfunction in the South African Police Service (SAPS) with a particular focus on allegations raised by Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about interference within the police command on July 6th. (Photo: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
Illustrative image: The ad hoc committee to investigate allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. (Photo: Zwelethemba Kostile / Parliament of RSA) | Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola. (Photo: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images) | Police Minister on special leave Senzo Mchunu. (Photo: Zwelethemba Kostile / Parliament of RSA) | KwaZulu-Natal provincial head Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. (Photo: Phando Jikelo / Parliament of RSA)
Cartoon of the day, 17 October 2025
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu arrives at the Good Hope Chambers in Cape Town on 17 October 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach

Overview

  • Mchunu said his chief of staff urged him to withdraw the 31 December 2024 directive after the letter leaked and Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi reacted angrily, but he refused and remains unapologetic.
  • Arguing legality, he testified the PKTT operated irregularly after 2022 without required extensions, does not appear in SAPS organograms, and should be absorbed into a permanent Murder and Robbery Unit as recommended in 2019 and 2024 studies.
  • He confirmed he personally drafted the directive, sought only his special adviser’s view, and did not convene a dedicated meeting with Generals Masemola, Mkhwanazi and Khumalo before issuing it.
  • Mchunu played an audio recording of discussions involving his chief of staff and Mkhwanazi and alleged the KZN commissioner threatened pushback; he also said he briefed President Ramaphosa, who agreed with the decision.
  • He denied disbanding the PKTT to shield criminal or business interests, citing complaints from whistleblowers and concerns over resource allocation, and the inquiry will continue next week with further witnesses and an extended deadline to 28 November.