The Presidency has broken its silence after startling claims made before the Madlanga Commission by National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.
Masemola testified that he had informed the Presidency about Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s instruction to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). He said the matter placed him in a difficult position as the head of the police because he could not challenge his own minister in court. “At the time, Masemola explained that that this was the only avenue he could take as he couldn’t take his own boss to court,” the report noted.
Responding to these claims, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the Presidency would not be responding hastily while the Commission was still hearing evidence. He noted that the Presidency would only chart its path after all testimonies had been reviewed.
“We are not gong to respond to evidence in a camel fashion we will lock of the entirety of evidence delivered at the Commission before-deciding the manner and approach of our response,” Magwenya said.
The PKTT was created to investigate and deal with the sharp rise in political killings, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, where councillors and politicians have increasingly been targeted. Its work has often been controversial, and Masemola’s testimony has now revealed just how strained relations were between his office and the Police Ministry over the future of the unit.
Observers believe this disclosure could have far-reaching consequences, showing how deep divisions run in the security cluster of government. The Presidency’s measured response signals how sensitive the matter is, with political analysts noting that any misstep could further fuel divisions at the top.
For now, the Presidency has made it clear it will wait until the Commission completes its work before announcing its position on the matter. South Africans will be closely following as more witnesses are expected to appear before the inquiry in the coming weeks.
