Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo has firmly stated that he was not consulted regarding the decision to freeze all Crime Intelligence positions and disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday, Khumalo provided detailed testimony surrounding the controversial letter issued by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in December last year.
The matter has drawn national attention due to its implications for ongoing investigations into politically motivated killings and the internal stability of South Africa’s Crime Intelligence division. Khumalo’s testimony sought to clarify his role — or lack thereof — in the decision that has since sparked debate across the security and political spectrum.
During his appearance before the Madlanga Commission, Khumalo made it clear that he was blindsided by the minister’s directive. According to his testimony, the letter, signed by Minister Mchunu and addressed to National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, instructed that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) be disbanded with immediate effect by 31 December.
In addition to the disbandment, the letter also ordered an immediate freeze on all Crime Intelligence posts, halting the filling of any vacant positions within the division.
Khumalo Denies Any Consultation Over the Disbandment Decision
Khumalo told the Commission that he was not informed or consulted before the letter was drafted, signed, or distributed. “I became aware of the letter only when it started circulating in the media,” he said, emphasizing that his office did not receive any prior communication from the ministry.
He added, “I disowned the letter from the first of January, when it started trending, up until the 14th of January, when we received it officially, and we had an opportunity to discuss and try to understand it with the national commissioner.”
Following widespread speculation over who may have drafted the document, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee earlier this year to confirm that he was indeed the author. Mchunu stated that he was “sober-minded” and deliberate in issuing the directive, emphasizing that his decision was based on what he viewed as necessary administrative and strategic restructuring.
However, Khumalo’s testimony paints a different picture — one of confusion and lack of consultation within the senior ranks of Crime Intelligence. He indicated that the timing of the letter was particularly problematic, as National Commissioner Fannie Masemola was on leave when it was issued and was only due to return to work in mid-January.
This left Crime Intelligence leadership in a state of uncertainty, with critical operational units unsure of their status and authority in the absence of direct instructions from the commissioner.
In his detailed testimony, Khumalo outlined the potential damage caused by the sudden instruction to disband the PKTT and halt recruitment. He argued that such abrupt administrative moves could severely disrupt ongoing investigations, especially those relating to politically motivated killings in KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces.
The PKTT, originally established to investigate and prevent political assassinations, has been a key component of South Africa’s law enforcement response to violence targeting public officials, activists, and political leaders.
“The decision to disband such a critical task team without proper consultation or transition planning risks reversing years of progress,” Khumalo warned. He added that many officers within Crime Intelligence were left demoralized and uncertain about their roles, which, in turn, affected the division’s operational effectiveness.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is tasked with investigating the internal processes and decision-making structures that led to the disbandment order. Khumalo’s testimony is expected to play a pivotal role in determining whether proper protocols were followed and whether Minister Mchunu’s directive overstepped his administrative boundaries.
According to Khumalo, the directive was not only unexpected but also poorly communicated. “When such a significant instruction comes from the minister’s office, it should involve engagement with the operational heads who understand the implications,” he told the Commission.
Legal experts have since weighed in, suggesting that the lack of consultation described by Khumalo could raise questions about procedural fairness and ministerial accountability.
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear testimony from various senior police officials, with Khumalo’s statements expected to inform the next phase of the inquiry. The Commission is examining the balance of power between the Police Ministry and the operational leadership of the South African Police Service (SAPS), especially in relation to intelligence matters.
For Khumalo, the hearing represented an opportunity to set the record straight and reaffirm his commitment to institutional integrity. “My role is to ensure that the work of Crime Intelligence continues effectively and lawfully,” he concluded.
As the inquiry progresses, all eyes will remain on both Khumalo and Minister Mchunu to see how the Commission interprets the legality, intent, and consequences of the controversial directive. Whatever its findings, the case has already reignited debate over transparency and accountability within South Africa’s policing structures — with Khumalo standing firmly at the center of the storm.
Source- EWN
