Cachalia Slams Mchunu's Disbandment of Political Killings Task Team

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has testified before parliament's ad hoc committee investigating allegations of police corruption, revealing that former Minister Senzo Mchunu's decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) was flawed due to a lack of consultation.

Mchunu's unilateral directive to disband the task team drew criticism from various quarters, including Deputy Police Minister Shela Boshielo, who claimed she learned about the decision through social media. Cachalia stated that while Mchunu may have had valid reasons for disbanding the unit, his failure to consult with colleagues and the police commissioner was a significant oversight.

The PKTT, established to curb political assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal, had achieved notable success under the leadership of General Fannie Masemola. Cachalia expressed support for the task team's continued existence, citing its innovative investigative methods and integrated approach to tackling organized crime. He also commended Masemola's recommendation to continue the task team and develop similar capacity in other provinces.

Cachalia emphasized the need for stability within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and reforming the Crime Intelligence Unit. He highlighted the importance of a unified approach to tackling organized crime and the need for alignment between different components of the criminal justice system.

The acting minister also addressed concerns surrounding KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's public comments, made while dressed in military regalia. Cachalia expressed concern about the manner in which Mkhwanazi made the allegations but acknowledged that if proven true, Mkhwanazi would be vindicated as a whistleblower .