R450m PKTT under fire over weak returns

WITH over R450 million spent on the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) since its inception, serious questions have emerged about whether it has delivered sufficient value for money.

- THABO MAKWAKWA

This issue was addressed in detail by Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the South African Police Service (SAPS), during testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of criminal syndicate infiltration within the SAPS.

The committee was established in October to examine claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi accused senior police officers and politicians of obstructing police operations and protecting drug cartels implicated in political assassinations.

Given these grave concerns, the committee's evidence leader Lerato Zikalala focused on financial accountability within specialised police units, including the PKTT.

Dimpane’s testimony centered on whether the significant investment in the PKTT has translated into tangible results. She acknowledged the ongoing challenge of assessing the financial impact of police task teams.

“From a financial perspective, we continually ask ourselves if these interventions are a return on investment. We want to ensure the resources allocated lead to measurable outcomes,” Dimpane explained.