NPA's Elaine Harrison Slams Disbanding of Political Killings Task Team as 'Counterproductive

KZN Director of Public Prosecutions Elaine Harrison

KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions, Elaine Harrison, has testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria that disbanding the provincial Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) was "counterproductive" and "disruptive".

Harrison believes the unit was making progress in finalizing cases before its disbandment, which was instructed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

Harrison had assigned prosecutors to work with the PKTT, leading to visible progress in finalizing politically motivated cases. She revealed that she wasn't formally informed about the unit's disbandment, despite her efforts to work closely with them.

If she had been consulted, Harrison would have strongly opposed the decision to dissolve the task team. "The PKTT showed that it was working. It was very evident that the team was working well, and to disestablish it would be counterproductive and also disruptive," she emphasized.

The disbandment of the PKTT has raised concerns about the government's commitment to addressing political killings and ensuring justice for victims and their families. Harrison's testimony highlights the potential impact of the disbandment on the pursuit of justice.

The commission will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disbandment, with crime intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo set to testify next.

As the inquiry unfolds, questions are being raised about the decision-making process behind the disbandment and its potential consequences. With Harrison's testimony shedding light on the unit's progress and potential, the commission's findings could have significant implications for the future of political killings investigations in South Africa.