The recent disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has sparked political controversy and public concern. Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale has expressed disbelief over the decision, stating he first saw it on social media. His reaction has intensified calls for accountability in the security sector.
A Directive That Caught Officials Off Guard
In late October 2025, a letter circulated online revealing that the PKTT was being shut down. The task team was responsible for investigating political assassinations, especially in KwaZulu-Natal.
Read more: Sabotage Claims Surface in KT Molefe Murder Case, Madlanga Commission Told.
The directive was dated 31 December 2024, signed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, and issued without internal consultation.
Deputy Minister Mathale told Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee that he only learned of the disbandment from social media platforms. “I thought it was fake when I first saw the directive online,” he said.
PKTT’s Role in Fighting Political Violence
The PKTT was formed to investigate politically motivated killings, many of which occurred in local government contexts. These murders have long been a blight on South Africa’s democratic institutions. The task team operated under national direction and worked closely with provincial intelligence units.
According to the Parliament of South Africa, PKTT was set up through a ministerial decision involving various stakeholders.
Deputy Police Minister Shocked by PKTT Disbandment — And the Method Behind It
Mathale described the method used to disband the PKTT as irregular and disrespectful. “The PKTT was established by a ministerial committee, and only that body can dissolve it,” he said.
He also criticised the abrupt nature of the directive. The letter demanded a full report and closure of operations within weeks. “This is not how you wind down such a critical unit,” Mathale argued. He added that the task team had produced solid results, and dismantling it would weaken investigations into high-profile killings.
Minister Mchunu’s Justification
In contrast, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu stood by his decision. Speaking before the same committee, Mchunu insisted that the constitution gives him the authority. “It’s a decision I took, and I stand by it,” he stated, adding that the President had been briefed and agreed.
This claim, however, raised more questions than answers. Members of Parliament and civil society groups questioned why neither the deputy minister nor key SAPS stakeholders were informed ahead of time.
Related: Bheki Cele Denies Knowing Mogotsi, Confirms Ties to Matlala.
What This Means for Political Assassination Cases
The disbandment comes amid growing concerns over the rise in political killings. According to the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), more than 20 politically linked assassinations have occurred in South Africa in 2025 alone. Many of these were related to ANC internal battles or tender-related conflicts in municipalities.
The PKTT had been handling at least 75 active dockets at the time of its closure. Without the specialised unit, critics worry that investigations may stall or be compromised.
Parliamentary Inquiry Underway
The disbandment is now part of a broader inquiry into corruption, political interference, and criminal infiltration in SAPS. The Ad Hoc Committee aims to determine if the disbandment followed the correct procedure. Members are also probing whether key investigations will continue without disruption.
Civil society groups, including Corruption Watch, have demanded transparency. “Shutting down the PKTT without consultation shows a lack of accountability,” the organisation stated.
Also read: KT Molefe’s Cartel Links (The Big 5) & Fugitive Nephew Still on The Run.
Public and Political Reaction
Opposition parties and analysts have also voiced concern. The Democratic Alliance called for the reinstatement of the unit. “This is an attack on institutional integrity,” DA MP Ockert Terblanche said in Parliament.
Political analyst Professor Bheki Mngomezulu from the University of the Western Cape noted that the move could erode public confidence in law enforcement. “Disbanding an effective task team in this way suggests instability within the police hierarchy,” he said.
What Happens Next?
The Deputy Police Minister, shocked by PKTT’s disbandment, has opened a window into tensions within the Police Ministry. As Parliament continues its inquiry, South Africans will look for assurances that political killings remain a priority.
The public awaits clarity on whether the cases handled by PKTT will be reassigned or lost in bureaucracy. Transparency, consistency, and accountability must be at the centre of any resolution.
