Madlanga Commission Hears Testimony on SAPS Legislative Framework and KZN Political Killings Task Team Disbandment
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry resumed on Thursday, focusing on allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system. The commission heard expert testimony regarding the legislative framework governing the South African Police Service (SAPS). Key focus was on the disbandment of the KZN Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
SAPS Legal Division Head Testifies
Major-General Petronella van Rooyen, head of the SAPS legal division, appeared before the commission. She is the third witness to testify, following KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkwanazi and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. Van Rooyen outlined her reporting line within the SAPS hierarchy.
"I report to the divisional commissioner, legal services, and we are part of the support services, deputy national commissioner... and thereafter the National Commissioner."
Controversy Surrounding the KZN Political Killings Task Team (PKTT)
The legality of the instruction by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the KZN Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) was a central point of discussion. Commissioner Masemola testified that Mchunu was visibly angry when the PKTT continued to take on new cases, a reaction he found “strange.”
Accusations Against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu
Masemola further testified that Mchunu questioned the need for the PKTT, claiming President Cyril Ramaphosa agreed it should be disbanded. He accused Mchunu of undermining police operations, noting that the attempted disbandment left over 120 dockets untouched. The PKTT had a mandate to investigate political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, later expanded to include cases in the Eastern Cape and syndicate-related murders in Gauteng.
Links to Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala
Both Mkhwanazi and Masemola linked Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to alleged criminal cartel member Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is believed to have infiltrated law enforcement agencies. They testified that Mchunu unlawfully disbanded the PKTT despite its successes in solving murder cases, including those at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and those targeting traditional leaders. Masemola stated that the motive to disband the PKTT became clear following Matlala’s arrest in May 2025.
