Major-General Petronella van Rooyen has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that Parliament failed in its oversight role by ignoring allegations of political interference raised by General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi months before he went public during his 6 July 2025 media briefing.
Testifying at the commission, Van Rooyen — who serves as Component Head of Governance, Legislation and Policy in the SAPS Legal Services Division — also clarified that Deputy National Commissioners report directly to the National Commissioner, not the Police Minister.
She strongly criticised Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), stating that it was outside his authority.
“The proper step would have been to report the directive to National Commissioner Fannie Masemola for guidance,” Van Rooyen said, warning that no member of the security services may follow a manifestly illegal order.
Van Rooyen’s testimony is part of the ongoing inquiry into alleged criminality, political interference, and corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system, shedding light on concerns over improper executive intervention in policing matters.