Ad-Hoc Committee
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele expressed surprise at the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team, which remained active until March 2024. Cele questioned whether proper procedures were followed, while his successor, Senzo Mchunu, defended the decision, citing reduced value and financial strain on taxpayers.
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele expressed surprise upon learning that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) had been disbanded by his successor, suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu. Cele, who served from February 2018 to June 2024, testified before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating political interference in police operations.
He clarified that the PKTT was never disbanded during his tenure. The task team, established through an inter-ministerial initiative, remained active until March 2024, even briefing the President on its activities in Fort Hare just two months before the May 2024 election. Cele questioned the procedural correctness of its disbandment, suggesting that such a decision should have involved consultation with all relevant parties.
In contrast, Minister Mchunu stated that Cele did not receive formal handover notes regarding the PKTT. Mchunu defended his decision, arguing that the task team had ceased to add value and had become a financial burden to taxpayers.
The parliamentary inquiry continues to examine the operations and disbandment of the PKTT, raising concerns about inter-ministerial coordination and oversight in addressing politically motivated crimes.
