PKTT (Political Killings Task Team) disbandment

The National Commissioner approved the PKTT structure on 18 June 2018, and the team became operational in July 2018, starting work on 1 July 2018.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) received the first progress report from the PKTT and directed it to urgently solve all high-profile political killings.

A work study commissioned by SAPS recommended that the PKTT be absorbed into permanent murder and robbery units.

Testimony discusses potential charges against General Masemola related to PFMA breaches regarding the Medicare24 contract, and whether he failed in his duties as accounting officer.

The PKTT's mandate was extended to 31 March 2025, and budget approval was granted for the 2024/25 financial year — despite a 2019 work study recommending absorption into permanent units.

General Masemola terminated a contract with Medicare24, and this action is part of the allegations against him regarding his management of SAPS procurement.

Senzo Mchunu assumed office as the Minister of Police on 3 July 2024.

Minister Mchunu received letters from Mary de Haas (31 October 2024) and Patricia Mashale alleging human rights abuses and governance failures by the PKTT.

Minister Mchunu directed the SAPS Executive Committee to reconsider and review the PKTT's capabilities and consider disbandment.

Another meeting was held to review the PKTT, continuing discussions from 1 November.

The Minister of Police directed disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team in late 2024. General Masemola refused immediate compliance and proposed a phased wind-down; the dispute continued into early 2025.

The Investigating Directorate against Corruption (IDAC) initiated an investigation into the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), covering allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of secret service funds, and unlawful promotions of its commanders and members. The investigation involved executing subpoenas for documents and interviewing witnesses, and was ongoing as of April 2026.

Testimony revealed WhatsApp messages attributed to Mkhwanazi indicating a threat to arrest Minister Mchunu if the PKTT was shut down.

A combat team operation on 6 December 2024, involving PKTT members, allegedly led to a concerted effort by the Minister to disband the team.

Minister Mchunu sent a letter to the National Commissioner directing the immediate disbandment of the PKTT.

The PKTT travelled to the Western Cape to arrest Fadiel Adams. IDAC later investigated the travel documents of the PKTT members involved, seeking to determine who authorised the trip.

Claims emerged that Minister Mchunu arranged and paid for a witness's flight, raising questions about his level of involvement in investigations related to the PKTT.

Claims suggest the investigation looked into the PKTT's link to the protection of Ian Cameron, indicating a broader scope for the IDAC's work.

Testimony claims the KZN Political Task Team was a front for former Minister Bheki Cele and received funds and vehicles.

The investigation examined the PKTT's performance assessments, travel documents, and resource allocations.

Testimony describes how the IDAC team planned its investigation, including forming sub-teams, developing a project plan, and issuing taskings.

The disbandment letter was leaked on social media on 1 January 2025 and made public on 2 January 2025.

Lt-Gen Masemola refused to sign a letter for immediate disbandment of the PKTT, advocating for a phased wind-down.

Lt-Gen Sibiya wrote a letter on 17 January 2025 instructing the immediate deactivation of the PKTT, conveying the Minister's directive.

Lt-Gen Masemola submitted a preliminary report to Minister Mchunu, recommending a phased disbandment and arguing against immediate dissolution.

Lt-Gen Masemola and Lt-Gen Khumalo presented to Minister Mchunu a phased disbandment plan on 6 March 2025.

Lt-Gen Masemola gave the last briefing to the President on the PKTT before its disbandment.

Minister Mchunu expressed anger at the meeting on 27 March 2025 because the PKTT had taken on additional dockets despite the disbandment directive, and he directed that further engagements would be only with the National Commissioner.