In Conversation With Goodenough Mashego , Independent political Analyst.
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There is rising alarm in South Africa’s political landscape as senior figures make explosive claims about the now disbanded Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). According to De Haas, the unit was marred by “wasteful expenditure” and “deep rooted failures.” These are not just budgetary complaints — they point to potential institutional rot, political interference, and possible complicity involving crime syndicates.
The PKTT was established in 2018 to investigate politically motivated killings, especially in KwaZuluNatal. But its disbandment at the end of 2024 was controversial. Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu claims he acted on performance concerns. Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has told Parliament that the disbandment process raised serious constitutional and procedural questions.
Added to the complexity are allegations from LieutenantGeneral Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claims criminal cartels engineered the dismantling of the PKTT to shield themselves from investigation. Furthermore, evidence before various commissions suggests that some PKTT dockets were recalled, possibly undermining sensitive investigations.
If true, these are not just bad governance — they could point to a systemic betrayal of justice and accountability in one of South Africa’s most politically sensitive task teams.
The PKTT was established in 2018 to investigate politically motivated killings, especially in KwaZuluNatal. But its disbandment at the end of 2024 was controversial. Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu claims he acted on performance concerns. Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has told Parliament that the disbandment process raised serious constitutional and procedural questions.
Added to the complexity are allegations from LieutenantGeneral Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claims criminal cartels engineered the dismantling of the PKTT to shield themselves from investigation. Furthermore, evidence before various commissions suggests that some PKTT dockets were recalled, possibly undermining sensitive investigations.
If true, these are not just bad governance — they could point to a systemic betrayal of justice and accountability in one of South Africa’s most politically sensitive task teams.
