Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale on Tuesday told an ad hoc committee he was surprised by a letter directing the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). This directive came from suspended Public Service Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Mathale was speaking to the ad hoc committee investigating Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s corruption allegations. He described Mchunu’s letter as “unusual and problematic.” The letter was reportedly a direct instruction to dissolve the specialised unit.
The deputy minister clarified his personal position on the task team. He told the committee that he actually supported disbanding the PKTT. However, he insisted this support was “for the right reasons.”
Mathale confirmed he was not consulted about Mchunu’s directive. The letter appeared to have been issued without his knowledge.
SMread: Mathale to testify at inquiry into Mkhwanazi’s allegations
Deputy ministers lack delegated duties
In a surprising revelation, Mathale stated that both he and his colleague, Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo, have no delegated responsibilities. This has been the case for over a year.
Both deputies were appointed to their posts more than a year ago, but are yet to be assigned duties. This suggests a lack of function at the centre of the ministry’s leadership.
The testimony from Mathale provides a rare look into the ministry’s internal operations. The ad hoc committee is tasked with investigating the allegations of corruption in the policing sphere.
The PKTT was established specifically to analyse and investigate political murders. Its sudden disbandment has been a point of significant public concern. The committee is trying to determine why the unit was shut down.
Mathale’s evidence confirms there was internal confusion surrounding the unit. While he supported a change, he maintained the letter was not the correct procedure. The committee is expected to continue hearing testimony.
Image: Storm Simpson/News24
