Minister Senzo Mchunu Justifies Disbanding of National Task Team Amidst Criticism

Key Takeaways:

• The National Political Killings Task Team (NPKTT) was disbanded by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in December 2024, sparking controversy and allegations of corruption.
• Mchunu claims that the disbandment was due to the NPKTT being an interim structure that had not been properly assessed or renewed since 2022.
• Allegations have been made that Mchunu had links with tenderpreneur and organized crime accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, and that the disbandment of the NPKTT was intended to shield Matlala from prosecution.
• The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within law enforcement.
• Mchunu has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the disbandment of the NPKTT was within his powers as police minister.

Introduction to the Madlanga Commission
The Madlanga Commission, established to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within law enforcement, has been hearing evidence related to the disbandment of the National Political Killings Task Team (NPKTT) in December 2024. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who disbanded the NPKTT, has been testifying at the commission, defending his decision and denying allegations of corruption and links to organized crime. Mchunu, who was appointed as police minister in July 2024, was placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025 due to the accusations he now faces.

The NPKTT and its Disbandment
Mchunu argued that the NPKTT was an interim structure that had not been properly assessed or renewed since 2022, and that its disbandment was therefore necessary. He stated that the NPKTT was established in 2018 as a special project, and that its creation was "political and time-bound" and did not form part of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) permanent organizational structure. Mchunu also noted that the national police commissioner, Fannie Masemola, had signed a new SAPS structural organogram in 2024, which would have dissolved the NPKTT and absorbed it into the Murder and Robbery Unit.

Allegations of Corruption and Links to Organized Crime
Allegations have been made that Mchunu had links with tenderpreneur and organized crime accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, and that the disbandment of the NPKTT was intended to shield Matlala from prosecution. Matlala has testified that he had a relationship with several police officials, including former police minister Bheki Cele, and that he paid for flights and accommodation for people linked to Mchunu’s presidential campaign. Mchunu has denied any links to Matlala, and has maintained that the disbandment of the NPKTT was within his powers as police minister.

The Commission’s Investigation
The Madlanga Commission has been investigating these allegations, and has heard evidence from several witnesses, including Mchunu, Matlala, and Brown Mogotsi, who has been accused of acting as a go-between for Mchunu and Matlala. The commission has also heard evidence relating to the alleged criminal infiltration of the SAPS and conduct attributed to certain senior officials, including suspended deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, who allegedly received bribes from Matlala. Mchunu has denied any knowledge of these matters, and has maintained that he has never been accused of corruption in his public positions.

Conclusion and Next Steps
Mchunu’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission has provided insight into the circumstances surrounding the disbandment of the NPKTT and the allegations of corruption and links to organized crime. The commission’s investigation is ongoing, and Mchunu is expected to return for cross-examination on Thursday and Friday. The outcome of the commission’s investigation will be crucial in determining the validity of the allegations against Mchunu and the extent of corruption and political interference within law enforcement. Ultimately, the commission’s findings will have significant implications for the SAPS and the government’s efforts to combat corruption and organized crime.