Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu told the Madlanga Commission on Friday that he regrets using the term “disband” in his December directive regarding the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). Mchunu said his intention had been for the PKTT to be absorbed into the Murder and Robbery Unit, with all personnel retained.
The order has drawn heavy criticism, with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi suggesting the instruction may have been linked to the task team’s recent investigations into Gauteng’s criminal networks.
Mchunu insisted his language was incorrect, telling the commission: “The actual intention is you transform, you absorb… you are not firing people.” He argued that murders in South Africa should be addressed broadly rather than through a specialised unit. He is expected to conclude his testimony later on Friday.
Court relaxes bail conditions for corruption-accused Crime Intelligence bosses
In a separate matter, the Pretoria High Court has relaxed bail conditions for corruption-accused Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo and senior officers Precious Madondo and Josias Lekalakala.
The three are charged with corruption and fraud linked to the alleged appointment of an unqualified individual to a senior Crime Intelligence post. Their previous bail terms barred them from entering any Crime Intelligence office.
The court has now granted the officers permission to access all Crime Intelligence buildings, clearing the way for Khumalo to return to work.