National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola conceded to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s unlawful order to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), despite constitutional provisions placing operational control of the police under the commissioner.
This emerged in testimony to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Masemola testified that he initially opposed Mchunu’s directive but eventually yielded under pressure. He confirmed that the minister’s instruction was not supported by Section 207(2) of the Constitution, which grants the commissioner authority over the operational command of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to Masemola, his last resort was to escalate the matter to President Cyril Ramaphosa. “The only avenue I know is the president. In this case, General Mkhwanazi did report this to the portfolio committee of police, with no assistance, and I can’t go to court and take the minister to court,” he told the Commission.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has alleged that Mchunu sought the disbandment to shield criminal syndicates operating in the province.
The Commission is examining allegations of corruption and misconduct within SAPS, including the circumstances surrounding the task team’s disbandment. Testimony has focused on the interpretation of constitutional provisions governing the relationship between the minister and the national commissioner.
The Commission has heard claims that senior police and political figures may have acted to protect powerful interests. The disappearance of online records linked to security companies with alleged political connections has raised further questions about the handling of sensitive information.
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