Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu told Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee that he briefed President Cyril Ramaphosa before disbanding the controversial Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
The committee is investigating allegations of political interference and corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
During Friday’s hearing, Mchunu faced tough questions over his role in the decision, which has sparked a political storm since KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused him of interfering in police operations.
When evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse asked whether he had informed the President, Mchunu confirmed that he had.
Minister Mchunu Confirms Presidential Briefing
Responding to a follow-up question from EFF leader Julius Malema, Mchunu said Ramaphosa had agreed with the briefing he gave him.
“The answer in the affidavit is that I briefed the President. He agreed with the briefing I gave him,” Mchunu told the committee.“I sought an appointment, and it was granted. Then, l went to present that I had made this decision in December last year. I don’t recall the exact date, but it was either January or February. I am prepared to check.”
Mchunu said his meeting with Ramaphosa was intended to prevent the issue from escalating politically.
‘I Acted to Prevent a Political Fallout’
“I told him these matters, among others, led me to disband the political task team,” Mchunu said.
“If I had not acted then, there might have been calls for a commission of inquiry on those matters. So I decided to pre-empt such a call.”
He maintained that disbanding the PKTT was part of normal administrative processes, noting that he had previously dissolved other police units.
“I have issued similar directives before, including the disbandment of the police inspectorate,” he added.
Minister Mchunu’s Tense Relationship With Mkhwanazi
Earlier in the hearing, Mchunu described a strained relationship with Mkhwanazi, saying he had instructed his chief of staff, Cedrick Nkabinde, to record conversations with the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner after detecting what he viewed as threats of retaliation over the PKTT’s disbandment.
Evidence leader Arendse pressed him on why he never met Mkhwanazi, who had repeatedly sought a meeting to discuss policing issues.
“I wanted to meet General Mkhwanazi privately, but it just did not happen,” Mchunu replied.
He said an alleged WhatsApp voice recording between Nkabinde and Mkhwanazi contained threats that the commissioner would “fight back”, which made him cautious.
Mchunu defended his decision, insisting he acted with a clear mind and full authority.
“I was of sober mind when I issued the directive to disband the task team,” he said.
He added, “I don’t want to leave any doubt about who wrote the letter and why. Therefore, I take full responsibility. I can assure you that I was sober when I wrote that letter.”
