Ramaphosa Denies Approving Disbandment of Political Killings Task Team

Ramaphosa Denies Approving Disbandment of Political Killings Task Team

March 19, 2026 David Kessler - News Editor News

Ramaphosa Disputes Approval of Political Killings Task Team Disbandment

JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated he did not approve the disbandment of the National Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), contradicting earlier accounts and raising further questions about political interference within the South African Police Service. The revelation came in written submissions to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, currently investigating alleged threats to national security, including concerns about criminal infiltration and corruption within the justice system.

The President’s statement directly challenges previous testimony and implies a lack of transparency regarding the decision to dismantle a unit crucial to addressing politically motivated violence, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. This development adds another layer of complexity to a case already marked by conflicting accounts from key officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. The initial directive to disband the PKTT came from Mchunu on December 31, 2024, a move that sparked immediate concern within the police service.

Timeline of Events and Conflicting Accounts

According to Ramaphosa’s submissions, he was first informed of Mchunu’s directive by General Masemola around February 1, 2025. Masemola reportedly sought Ramaphosa’s intervention, expressing his disagreement with the decision. But, the President’s initial response, or lack thereof, became a point of contention. Masemola testified before the Madlanga Commission that he received no feedback from Ramaphosa after informing him of the situation and did not pursue the matter further, stating he felt unable to challenge his minister’s directive. The Cape Argus reported on this testimony, highlighting concerns about potential political interference.

Ramaphosa’s written response to the Ad Hoc Committee indicates he subsequently met with Mchunu on February 13, 2025, to discuss the matter. He explicitly stated that he did not approve of the disbandment. This directly contradicts earlier statements attributed to Mchunu, who, although on special leave due to allegations of criminal infiltration and corruption, reportedly claimed Ramaphosa was aware of and did not object to the decision. Briefly News detailed the contradiction between Masemola’s and Mchunu’s accounts.

What Each Side Claims

President Ramaphosa: Was not consulted prior to the disbandment order, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation, and ultimately did not approve the decision. He met with Mchunu to convey his disapproval.

Senzo Mchunu (via previous testimony): Authorized the disbandment of the PKTT and claimed President Ramaphosa was aware of the decision and did not object.

General Fannie Masemola: Informed Ramaphosa of Mchunu’s directive but received no response. He then began preparing proposals for a phased disbandment, effectively accepting the minister’s instruction despite his own reservations. He also stated that Ramaphosa agreed with a gradual dismantling of the PKTT. SABC News reported on Masemola’s testimony regarding the President’s agreement with a gradual approach.

The Role of the Political Killings Task Team

The PKTT was established to investigate and prosecute cases of political violence, a significant concern in South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. Its disbandment raised immediate alarm among those working to combat political killings and prompted questions about the government’s commitment to addressing this issue. Despite the directive to disband, Masemola testified that he continued to renew the team’s operational authorities and no formal disbandment letter was ever signed. However, his actions to prepare for a phased disbandment signaled acceptance of the order.

What Happens Next?

The Ad Hoc Committee will continue its investigation, examining the conflicting testimonies and seeking to determine the full extent of political interference in police operations. The committee is tasked with investigating alleged threats to national security, and the PKTT disbandment has become a central focus of its inquiry. Further hearings are expected, and the committee may issue recommendations regarding accountability and reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. It remains unclear whether the PKTT will be reinstated in its original form, or if a latest structure will be established to address political killings.

Confirmed vs. Unclear

Confirmed:

  • Senzo Mchunu issued a directive to disband the PKTT on December 31, 2024.
  • General Fannie Masemola informed President Ramaphosa of the directive.
  • Ramaphosa met with Mchunu on February 13, 2025, to discuss the matter.
  • Ramaphosa stated he did not approve the disbandment.

Unclear:

  • The precise reasons behind Mchunu’s decision to disband the PKTT remain unclear.
  • The full extent of Ramaphosa’s initial response to Masemola’s notification is unclear.
  • Whether the PKTT will be reinstated remains uncertain.
  • The specific details of the agreement between Ramaphosa and Masemola regarding a gradual dismantling of the PKTT are not fully defined.

This situation underscores the complexities of political accountability and the challenges of maintaining independent law enforcement in South Africa. The Ad Hoc Committee’s findings will be closely watched as the country grapples with issues of political violence and corruption.