Madlanga Commission | Senzo Mchunu was angry at Political Task Team murder breakthroughs - Masemola

National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, says Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was visibly angry in a meeting after being aware that the Political Killings Team was making progress in linking suspects to murder cases despite his rush to disband the squad.

Masemola told the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday that Mchunu’s reaction during a key meeting raised concerns, particularly as the PKTT had successfully linked suspects to the politically motivated killing.

“He got angry because the work was going up instead of down,” he said.

According to Masemola, the incident that triggered Mchunu’s anger stemmed from a breakthrough in the murder case of a KwaZulu-Natal councillor.

Local police had arrested two individuals in possession of an illegal firearm.

Upon further investigation, the district commissioner requested the intervention of the PKTT, suspecting the individuals were connected to the councillor’s assassination.

Masemola said the task team’s subsequent involvement led to the successful linking of the suspects to the murder.

“The minister was angry that the PKTT took over the dockets and made the links, even though they hadn’t made the initial arrest,” said Masemola.

“What surprised me was how someone could be angry that police were doing exactly what they’re supposed to do - solving crimes.”

The Commissioner further alleged the meeting with Mchunu ended abruptly, seemingly frustrated by the task team's effectiveness.

Masemola also questioned the rationale behind Mchunu’s push to disband the PKTT, describing the minister’s reasoning as vague and unconvincing.

“The reasons provided in the disbandment letter didn’t reflect any proper assessment. I asked myself: assessment where? With whom? It simply didn’t make sense,” he added.

Masemola said he had formally requested that the minister brief senior officers on the exact reasons for disbanding the PKTT, but no clear explanation was given.

The Political Killings Task Team has played a pivotal role in investigating a wave of politically motivated murders across South Africa, Masemola said.

Meanwhile, Mchunu is accused of political interference and corruption in the police ministry.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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