Ad Hoc committee examines PKTT disbandment and alleged threats

The ad hoc committee investigating the disbandment of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) heard testimony from suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who defended his decision to dissolve the unit. Mchunu stated that his action was based on complaints about the unit’s conduct and alleged breaches of public finance regulations.

Mchunu confirmed that he did not consult with National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola or senior police officials including Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo before disbanding the task team. He noted that he had conducted several policy discussions with senior police management during his tenure but insisted that the decision was ultimately his own.

The committee also examined recordings of meetings that Mchunu had with Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi. Mchunu had directed his chief of staff to record the discussions in an effort to protect the ministry from false allegations. The recordings were presented to the committee to demonstrate alleged threats from Mkhwanazi. However, the audio submitted contained no audible threats, prompting the committee to request further clarification and evidence.

On the involvement of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mchunu told the committee that the president had approved the disbandment of the PKTT. Other testimonies indicated that the president had been briefed on the matter but had not formally authorised the decision. The committee sought to clarify this discrepancy.

The ad hoc committee continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disbandment of the task team and the allegations of threats against Mkhwanazi. Further hearings are scheduled to provide additional insight into the events and decisions that led to the unit’s dissolution.