In a significant revelation before the Madlanga Commission, Crime Intelligence boss Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo stated that Bheki Cele never issued any operational orders to the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). This statement challenges earlier allegations and brings clarity to Cele’s role during his tenure as Police Minister.
The commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is probing corruption and political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS). One key focus has been the controversial disbandment of the PKTT, which was investigating politically linked killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
Read our full breakdown of the Madlanga Commission Highlights: Key Moments You Need to Know for a deeper look at the inquiry’s most important revelations.
Khumalo Confirms: No Instructions from Bheki Cele
Speaking under oath on 29 September 2025, Lt-Gen Khumalo clarified that Bheki Cele did not interfere with the PKTT’s operations:
“According to my knowledge, having been there, there were no instructions from the police minister, Bheki Cele, either as a minister or member of the IMC [Interministerial Committee], to the PKTT,” Khumalo told the commission.
Khumalo emphasised that operational matters were always handled by the SAPS command structure. He stated that the PKTT only submitted regular progress reports to the ministerial committee.
Understanding the PKTT and Its Importance
The Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) was created in 2018 to investigate a surge in assassinations and politically motivated crimes in KwaZulu-Natal. At the time, Bheki Cele was serving as Minister of Police. Despite this, Khumalo confirmed that Cele never exercised direct authority over the unit.
“The PKTT was established and constituted administratively by the national police commissioner,” Khumalo testified.
He explained that task teams like the PKTT are formed by the national commissioner and do not require legislative approval.
Mkhwanazi’s Allegations Spark Controversy
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi earlier alleged that Cele attempted to remove Khumalo from SAPS to protect certain individuals. Mkhwanazi claimed that Cele tried to influence disciplinary matters involving Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan.
“Cele was asking me to approach Khumalo to resign from SAPS and go work with him in Gauteng for five years,” Mkhwanazi alleged.
However, Khumalo did not support these claims in his own testimony. Instead, he pointed to a more dangerous influence behind the PKTT’s disruption.
Learn more about the leadership change in our report: Matthew Chaskalson Leads Madlanga Commission After Terry Motau Quits.
Organised Crime Cartel Behind the PKTT Disbandment?
Khumalo raised concerns about a powerful organised crime group attempting to manipulate police structures. He suggested that this cartel believed the PKTT was targeting them, prompting political interference.
“It is my view that the attempt to disband the PKTT was due to the influence of a particular organised crime cartel over the ministry of police and the SAPS,” Khumalo said.
He argued that internal threats within the SAPS have grown more dangerous, calling for urgent structural reforms.
Who Holds Operational Authority Over Task Teams?
Khumalo clarified that task teams operate under the sole authority of the national police commissioner. Ministers, including Bheki Cele, cannot issue orders regarding operational activities.
“All the task teams are constituted by the national commissioner, who has to assign the resources to the task team, including financial resources,” he explained.
This distinction is central to ongoing debates about the constitutional limits of political power over law enforcement.
The Role of Minister Senzo Mchunu
In contrast to Bheki Cele, the current Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu has been accused of overstepping his mandate. On 31 December 2024, Mchunu issued a directive to disband the PKTT, an act criticised by several SAPS leaders as unconstitutional.
Legal experts, including Major-General Margaretha van Rooyen, testified that Mchunu’s order violated Section 207 of the Constitution, which protects SAPS operational independence.
The Madlanga Commission Continues
The Madlanga Commission has become a platform for untangling the complex web of political interference in policing. With conflicting testimonies from top officials, each hearing adds new layers to the narrative.
Khumalo’s statement provides critical insight and casts doubt on the allegations made against Bheki Cele. The commission’s findings could lead to major reforms within the SAPS and broader criminal justice system.
Explore the full story in our feature: Tembisa Hospital Corruption Report: Motsoaledi & Lesufi Join SIU.
A Crucial Turning Point in SAPS Accountability
As the hearings unfold, Bheki Cele denies involvement in PKTT orders, and his stance is now supported by the task team’s own leader. While political tension continues to mount, Khumalo’s testimony may help restore public trust in law enforcement processes.
More importantly, the proceedings underscore the urgent need to protect police institutions from criminal and political influence.
