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Mchunu Defends PKTT Disbandment as Madlanga Commission Challenges His Authority

He cites rights-abuse complaints as justification, with the panel focused on his failure to consult the national police commissioner.

Overview

  • Testifying in Pretoria, Senzo Mchunu said civil society groups, whistleblowers and SAPS members reported alleged human-rights abuses by the PKTT and related governance failures.
  • The commission noted evidence that roughly ten SAPS task teams exist and heard that the PKTT is the only one disbanded, with other teams falling under National Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
  • Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned Mchunu’s legal authority to dissolve the unit and pressed him on not consulting Masemola.
  • Mchunu maintained that ministerial oversight permits intervention in operational matters, arguing that unmonitored task teams enabled grave rights violations.
  • After Mchunu handed over a confidential list of complainants, the commission returned it and asked him to seek legal advice on how to proceed, with cross-examination set to continue on Friday.