National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has told the Madlanga Commission that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was reportedly “furious” over the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team’s (PKTT) successes, particularly its breakthrough in the February 2025 murder of ANC councillor Phendukani Mabhida in Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal.
Masemola described the minister’s reaction as highly unusual, saying it is not common for a government official to express anger over the police performing effectively in criminal investigations.
The revelation adds to growing scrutiny of political interference in law enforcement, especially regarding investigations into politically motivated killings in KwaZulu-Natal—a province long plagued by politically linked violence.
The PKTT, which was established to investigate high-profile political murders, has made notable progress under Masemola’s leadership, including arrests and case breakthroughs that have previously frustrated local communities and political leaders.
Observers note that the alleged frustration from Minister Mchunu could raise questions about the independence of the police in handling politically sensitive cases, and whether political considerations are influencing operational decisions.
Masemola’s testimony to the Madlanga Commission comes amid broader efforts to examine the state of policing and political accountability in South Africa, with the commission tasked with evaluating systemic challenges in law enforcement.