KZN Police Commissioner fights to keep political killings task team active

KZN Police Commissioner fights to keep political killings task team active! KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi remains firm in his stance to protect the integrity of the political killings task team, despite efforts to have it disbanded. Mkhwanazi insists that the unit must be allowed to continue its high-profile investigations, which may implicate senior police officers and political figures.

Minister’s Letter Sparks Controversy

In December 2023, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu wrote a letter to National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, instructing him to dismantle the task team. However, the directive has not yet been implemented, leaving questions and concerns about the true motivation behind the move.

Mkhwanazi recently briefed the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, where he revealed that the political killings task team is currently investigating high-ranking police officials at the national head office. He suggested that the push to disband the unit could be an attempt to shield influential figures from scrutiny.

KZN Police Commissioner

Allegations of Political Interference

Mkhwanazi openly questioned whether Mchunu’s directive was influenced by external pressure, potentially from individuals connected to the cases under investigation.

“Someone came and whispered to the minister to close this,” Mkhwanazi alleged. “Because this [unit] is investigating cases that might link either his or her associates, or colleagues that he or she works with, or the high-profile people that the person might know outside the organisation, or a criminal syndicate out there that needs to be protected for whatever reason.”

His comments suggest that the task team’s work may be making some people nervous, particularly those in powerful political or law enforcement positions.

The Political Killings Crisis in KZN

KZN has long been known as a hotspot for political violence, with dozens of politicians assassinated over the years. In response to the crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the political killings task team in 2018, aiming to tackle politically motivated murders and bring the masterminds behind them to justice.

Since its creation, the task team has successfully arrested and prosecuted several individuals linked to high-profile political murders. However, many cases remain unresolved, and the fear of political assassinations continues to grip the province.

Mkhwanazi believes that the task team’s investigations are uncovering links between certain police officials and politically connected crime syndicates, which is why there is a push to shut it down.

Resistance to Disbandment

Despite Mchunu’s directive, the task team continues its work, with Mkhwanazi making it clear that he will fight to ensure its survival.

His position has earned him both praise and criticism, with some seeing him as a defender of justice, while others accuse him of defying national leadership.

It remains unclear whether National Commissioner Masemola will ultimately enforce the minister’s directive or allow the task team to continue its investigations.

What Happens Next?

The political killings task team plays a crucial role in addressing politically motivated violence in KZN. If disbanded, it could weaken efforts to bring political killers to justice, leaving many families without closure and allowing criminal networks to thrive.

Mkhwanazi’s determination to keep the unit active raises questions about the true motives behind the call to dismantle it. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Masemola and Mchunu, as well as the broader law enforcement and political community, to see whether justice will prevail over political interference.