Political analyst Bheki Mngomezulu has stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s handling of the suspended Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, suggests he is protecting him. This follows testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry regarding the controversial decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
The analyst’s comments refer to the long-standing political relationship between Ramaphosa and Mchunu. Mngomezulu argued that if any other official were implicated in a similar manner, they would likely have been fired outright, noting that the President has the power to do so.
The testimony from National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola revealed that Mchunu’s office had ordered the disbandment of the PKTT. Masemola stated he raised concerns with President Ramaphosa about the abrupt nature of this decision in February 2025. While the President acknowledged engaging with Mchunu on the matter, Masemola was never informed of the outcome.
Commissioner Masemola also testified that the instruction to disband the specialized task team was unlawful. The PKTT, initially established for a six-month period, had been made permanent due to ongoing delays in trials and convictions related to political killings.
The Madlanga Commission continues its inquiry, which is focused on establishing facts rather than initiating immediate prosecutions.