Senzo Mchunu Says Adviser Told Him To Withdraw Political Killings Task Team Disbandment Letter

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has revealed that his Chief of Staff, Cedric Nkabinde, advised him to withdraw the letter disbanding the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) after realising that KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was furious about the move.

Mchunu, currently on special leave, made the disclosure while appearing before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Friday morning.

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The committee is probing allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference in South Africa’s justice system—claims that were first made by Mkhwanazi in July.

According to Mchunu, Nkabinde informed him that the letter had apparently been leaked and ended up in Mkhwanazi’s hands. Nkabinde also cautioned that there could be “consequences” if the Minister did not retract the disbandment directive.

WhatsApp Message Sparked Internal Tensions

The revelation comes after Mkhwanazi sent a WhatsApp message to Mchunu on 5 April, requesting a meeting to address internal issues within the police structure.

During the committee hearing, Mchunu stated that he did not need to consult the inter-ministerial committee before making the decision to dissolve the PKTT. His comments led to a tense exchange with evidence leader Senior Counsel Norman Arendse.

Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, Mchunu stood by his actions, insisting that the disbandment was within his rights as Minister.

Senzo Mchunu Stands Firm on His Decision

Responding to Arendse’s questions, Mchunu remained unapologetic about his directive.
“Don’t equate to policing. Overall, policing in South Africa made me feel guilty that I did not consult with the team specifically in a dedicated manner.

“Do not make me feel guilty because I am not guilty for that. There are many other things I needed to do that would have involved everybody,” he told the committee.

Mchunu denied breaking any law in issuing the disbandment order, stating, “I didn’t breach any law. I do want us to have an agreement or consensus on that because I did not convene a meeting with General (Fannie) Masemola, with General Mkhwanazi and General (Dumisani) Khumalo doesn’t constitute an offence in the department or anywhere in the state. It doesn’t.”

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