“I couldn’t believe it” — Cassel Mathale on discovering Mchunu’s directive online

Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale has revealed that he first learned about Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) through social media. Speaking before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing corruption and political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS), Mathale said the announcement caught him off guard.

Mathale explained that while Mchunu had previously hinted at his discomfort with the PKTT during internal discussions, there was never a formal indication that such a drastic decision was imminent. “He gave hints in some of the meetings I attended with him,” Mathale told MPs, “but I only found out about the directive to disband the task team on social media. I could not believe it until I confirmed it directly with the minister.”

The PKTT, which was established to investigate politically motivated killings in KwaZulu-Natal, has been a focal point of national debate following Mchunu’s controversial decision to dissolve it. The move has sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and even members within the ANC, who argue that it undermines the fight against political violence.

Mathale’s admission adds to the growing concerns over communication breakdowns within the Police Ministry and the apparent lack of coordination in key security decisions. The Deputy Minister’s comments also suggest that even senior members of the executive were not fully briefed before Mchunu’s directive was issued.

As the Ad Hoc Committee continues to hear testimony, questions remain about the motivations behind the disbandment and whether due process was followed.

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