President Cyril Ramaphosa Was Not Consulted About PKTT Disbandment

• President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed in response to Parliamentary questions that he was informed about the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team after the fact
• This was despite suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu alleging that the President was informed of the disbandment of the PKTT
• Ramaphosa also said that he was dissatisfied with Mchunu for not consulting him on the disbandment of the Task Team

With 10 years’ experience, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of the Current Affairs desk, South Africa, provided insights into the criminal justice system, crime statistics, commissions of inquiry, and high-profile cases in South Africa at Daily Sun.

PARLIAMENT, WESTERN CAPE— President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was unhappy that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu did not consult him before he disbanded the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). He made the revelation in his response to Parliament.

Journalist Xoli Mngambi posted screenshots of Ramaphosa's response to a question about whether he had been informed of Mchunu's decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team. Ramaphosa said that National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola informed him on 1 February 2026 that Mchunu instructed him to disband the PKTT, a decision he disagreed with.

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Ramaphosa said that he met Mchunu on 13 February and quizzed him about the disbandment of the PKTT. Mchunu said he had instructed Masemola to disband the Task Team and provided his reasons. The President emphasised that he was dissatisfied that he was not consulted before Mchunu made the call to disband the PKTT. He also said that the disbandment was a decision only the National Commissioner could take. Ramaphosa also noted that Masemola informed him that the PKTT would not be disbanded and would continue its work.

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Mchunu and the PKTT

Mchunu's disbandment of the PKTT is a central allegation made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2026. Mkhwanazi implicated Mchunu in a criminal syndicate that allegedly infiltrated the criminal justice system. He also accused him of disbanding the Political Killings Task Team. Mchunu was suspended, and Ramaphosa established the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations.

While Mchunu initially denied disbanding the PKTT, he appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and admitted he had done so. He said the PKTT's function was no longer necessary and that its disbandment was part of a directive to disband other units. Mchunu also testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and admitted that he authored the letter of disbandment in December 2024 and said that he acted under the orders of Mchunu.

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Fannie Masemola contradicts Mchunu about PKTT

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Masemola contradicted Mchunu's assertions that Ramaphosa had been consulted on the disbandment of the PKTT. He, instead, said that Ramaphosa seemed surprised that the PKTT was disbanded.

Masemola said he was never told of Mchunu's disbandment, and when he learned of it, he briefed the President. He observed that the President was unaware of the decision.

Source: Briefly News