'Decision to disband political killings team was misplaced'

THE Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, faced criticism on the first day of the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry for ordering the disbandment of the political killings task team and halting the filling of crime intelligence posts, effective January 2, 2025.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who was the first witness to testify, told the commission yesterday that Mchunu’s decision was “misplaced”.

The commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is probing allegations of corruption, political interference, and infiltration by criminal syndicates within South Africa's law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

This followed Mkhwanazi’s explosive public statements on July 6, alleging political interference in the criminal justice system.

It came to light that a letter penned by Mchunu dated January 2, 2025, pointed out that the task team was not adding value to policing.

Mkhwanazi said: “The minister's conclusion that the team does not add any value to policing in South Africa was misplaced.”