Key Takeaways
- The decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has been labelled as "business unusual" by Acting Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection Hilda Senthumule.
- Senthumule is testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria and has raised concerns about the procedures followed in disbanding the PKTT.
- The PKTT was established to investigate political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, and its disbandment has been criticized by Senthumule and other officials.
- Senthumule has praised the work of Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo, who established a "one-stop shop" for the PKTT.
- The decision to disband the PKTT has been attributed to suspended Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, who Senthumule believes was ill-advised.
Introduction to the Inquiry
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). The PKTT was a specialized unit established to investigate political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, and its disbandment has been widely criticized. Acting Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection Hilda Senthumule is currently testifying before the commission, and her testimony has shed light on the events leading up to the disbandment of the PKTT. According to Senthumule, the decision to disband the PKTT was "business unusual" and did not follow the correct procedures.
The Disbandment of the PKTT
Senthumule was instructed to manage the 121 PKTT dockets after they were transferred to police headquarters in Pretoria. However, she has stated that the decision to disband the PKTT did not follow the correct procedures. Senthumule has criticized the decision, stating that it was unusual for a unit to be disbanded without proper consultation or consideration of the consequences. She has also praised the work of Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo, who established a "one-stop shop" for the PKTT, where all relevant information and resources were available under one roof. This approach, according to Senthumule, was effective in investigating political killings and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Criticism of Suspended Officials
Senthumule has also taken a jab at suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, who she believes has contributed to the current situation. According to Senthumule, Sibiya had claimed ownership of the PKTT dockets, stating that they belonged to him. However, Senthumule has emphasized that dockets belong to the province, not to individual officials. This approach, according to Senthumule, has created confusion and undermined the effectiveness of the PKTT. Furthermore, Senthumule has attributed the decision to disband the PKTT to suspended Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, who she believes was ill-advised. According to Senthumule, Mchunu’s decision has had far-reaching consequences and has undermined the ability of the police to investigate political killings effectively.
The Importance of Proper Procedures
Senthumule’s testimony has highlighted the importance of following proper procedures in decision-making, particularly when it comes to sensitive and critical units like the PKTT. The disbandment of the PKTT has been widely criticized, and Senthumule’s testimony has shed light on the circumstances surrounding this decision. According to Senthumule, the decision to disband the PKTT was not only unusual but also unjustified, given the effectiveness of the unit in investigating political killings. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disbandment of the PKTT, and Senthumule’s testimony will be crucial in informing the commission’s findings and recommendations.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has been widely criticized, and Senthumule’s testimony has highlighted the importance of following proper procedures in decision-making. The PKTT was established to investigate political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, and its disbandment has undermined the ability of the police to investigate these crimes effectively. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disbandment of the PKTT, and its findings and recommendations will be crucial in informing future decision-making. It is essential that the police service learns from this experience and takes steps to ensure that proper procedures are followed in the future, particularly when it comes to sensitive and critical units like the PKTT.
