Cassel Mathale ‘Blindsided’ As Senzo Mchunu Abruptly Disbands Political Killings Task Team

Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, revealed that he was completely surprised by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), learning about the move from social media rather than through official channels.

Testifying before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on police corruption, Mathale told evidence leader Norman Arendse that he only received a call from Minister Mchunu in early January.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: SAPS Ballistic Analyst Reveals How DJ Sumbody Murder Firearm Was Linked To Multiple High-Profile Killings

During the call, Mchunu confirmed the directive and mentioned that he had personally drafted the letter announcing the disbandment.

Mathale said he was taken aback by the abrupt nature of the decision, admitting he “didn’t understand what could have motivated him [Mchunu] to pen such a letter in the manner that he did.”

Cassel Mathale: Questions Over Consultation and Decision Process

The Deputy Minister described the letter as “strongly-worded,” and expressed uncertainty over whether President Cyril Ramaphosa had been consulted before the task team was dismantled.

Mathale further emphasised that the PKTT’s performance had never been an issue, asserting that it had done “excellent work.”

His testimony focused on the protocols surrounding the decision and whether the proper procedures were followed before disbanding a unit tasked with investigating politically motivated killings across South Africa.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky