The decision by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has come under renewed scrutiny, with MPs divided over whether he acted independently and why the directive was issued on New Year’s Eve in 2024.
As the ad hoc committee investigating police corruption works towards finalising its report, questions remain over the circumstances surrounding Mchunu’s directive.
ANC MP Khusela Sangoni Diko maintained that Mchunu took full responsibility for the decision and was not influenced by external figures.
“The minister has owned the directive,” Diko said, arguing that there was no indication that Mchunu was acting on instructions from elsewhere.
However, MK Party MP David Skosana questioned the timing of the directive, describing New Year’s Eve as an unusual day on which to issue such an order.
The committee also considered allegations that activist Mary de Haas may have influenced the decision, despite questions over her expertise in the matter.
The contrasting views reflect a wider disagreement within the committee over the circumstances that led to the PKTT’s disbandment.
The ad hoc committee is expected to conclude its report by 11 September.