The acting Minister of Police Professor Firoz Cachalia has raised concern over the return of 121 dockets to the Political Killings Task Team after they were removed from the South African Police Services (SAPS) unit.
The announcement was made on Thursday General Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner who said the dockets would be processed and returned to KwaZulu-Natal to allow the investigative team to proceed with their work.
Masemola indicated that arrests on the dockets were not anticipated soon, as the task team was investigating complex cases such as murder, attempted murder, and intimidation.
On Friday, reacting to the announcement, Minister Cachalia said following his appointment, he requested Masemola to furnish him with a detailed report on the Task Team – a report which he is yet to receive.
Cachalia said he was concerned that decisions were taken regarding the Political Killings Task Team before the judicial commission of inquiry had a chance to investigate the issues surrounding the Task Team.
“I recognise that the allegations made in relation to the Political Killings Task Team are of immense public interest. The Political Killings Task Team is at the centre of the allegations made by the Provincial Commissioner and will be dealt with by the Commission.
“It is a concern therefore that steps are being taken in relation to this matter before the Commission has had a chance to investigate the issues surrounding the Task Team. I have requested the National Commissioner to submit his report without further delay,” he said.
The dockets are central to claims of political interference made by allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
In July, Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in police operations and ordering the disbandment of the high-profile Political Killings Task Team and the removal of 121 dockets from the unit.
The Political Killings Task Team was established in 2019 following the 2016 Moerane Commission’s investigation into the root causes of political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. Masemola announced this week imminent plans to establish the same unit for Gauteng.
The commission made comprehensive recommendations to address political violence, leading to the formation of the task team with a mandate to investigate and resolve unresolved politically motivated murders, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mkhwanazi, a senior police officer known for his firm stance against corruption and internal interference, said the move amounted to obstruction of justice.
His explosive claims sparked national uproar, with Mchunu denying the claims as “baseless,” and President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing a judicial commission of inquiry into the matter.
Mchunu has since been placed on special leave pending the outcome of the investigations.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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