Disbandment of political killings task team ‘long overdue’

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu ordered the dissolution of the team last week, saying it was not effectively contributing to policing in KwaZulu-Natal.

The task team was established in 2019, following recommendations by the Moerane Commission, which wrapped up an inquiry into political killings.

In his letter addressed to National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Mchunu stated: "My observation in this regard is that the further existence of this team is no longer required nor is it adding any value to policing. I therefore direct that the political killings task team be disestablished immediately. Further, a preliminary report in this regard is submitted to the minister." 

Expert Mary De Haas described the task team as a waste of taxpayers’ money.

"It has achieved hardly anything; the main breakthroughs were made by a provincial team, and since they took over, they have achieved very little and a lot of expense and lack of transparency, a huge waste of money." 

Mchunu also directed Masemola to temporarily halt the filling of vacant posts in the police's crime intelligence division. This includes the positions of provincial heads of intelligence and at the division's head office. 

"This should be the position until the substantive discussions between the minister [Mchunu] and the national commissioner [Masemola] take place sometime [ in 2025]."

The minister also directed the review of the SAPS's contribution to securing the country's ports of entry, with the view of enhancing their role. 

"I, in terms of section 207(2), direct that you develop a new plan in this regard and present it at the next Ministery Management Executive Committee meeting in January 2025," Mchunu wrote. 

The minister directed the police management to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current security challenges at the country's ports of entry and provide an operational plan and remedial action. 

Additional reporting by Masechaba Sefularo

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