Ramaphosa's Knowledge of Task Team Disbandment Under Scrutiny at Madlanga Commission
President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing increased scrutiny after testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry revealed his alleged prior knowledge of the disbandment of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). The revelation has sparked public outrage and calls for the president to testify before the commission.
Masemola's Testimony Implicates Ramaphosa
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola testified that Ramaphosa was aware of and approved the disbandment of the PKTT. Masemola stated that he had raised the issue with then-suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who later informed him that Ramaphosa had agreed to the task team's dissolution. This was revealed during Masemola's testimony on 23 September 2025, at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane, Gauteng.
According to Masemola, Mchunu was visibly angry about the task team’s disbandment and said that he would only speak to the National Commissioner about it. The news came as a surprise to Masemola, especially considering Ramaphosa had requested the PKTT to assist with investigations into the deaths at Fort Hare University.
The Presidency's Response
The Presidency, through spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, has stated that they will not respond to the evidence in a piecemeal fashion. Magwenya indicated that the President will review all evidence presented before issuing a comprehensive response to the allegations.
Masemola has criticized Senzo Mchunu's decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team, arguing that it encroached upon his responsibilities as the National Commissioner.
Public Reaction and Calls for Ramaphosa to Testify
The revelations have sparked a wave of criticism and disbelief among South Africans. Social media users have expressed their disappointment and demanded accountability from Ramaphosa.
"And then we will have analysts and scholars telling us Ramaphosa is an innocent bystander who does nothing wrong." - MrsBerry on X
Radio personality Sol Phenduka has joined the chorus of voices calling for Ramaphosa to testify before the Madlanga Commission. Phenduka expressed shock at Masemola's revelations and believes that the President holds crucial information regarding the disbandment of the task team and broader corruption within the justice system.
Sol Phenduka stated, "So, the president knew about the disbandment of the task team? Nah, he needs to give us a testimony at the commission."
Broader Implications and Related Allegations
The allegations surrounding Ramaphosa's knowledge of the PKTT disbandment come amidst ongoing investigations into corruption and political interference within South Africa's law enforcement agencies. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi previously implicated top police officials and government ministers, including Senzo Mchunu, in organised crime.
In related news, Fannie Masemola also revealed details about a conversation he had with a whistleblower concerning Vusimusi Matlala's alleged connections to the police, further highlighting concerns about corruption within the system.
| Key Figure | Role/Allegation |
|---|---|
| Cyril Ramaphosa | President of South Africa, allegedly knew of and approved the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team. |
| Fannie Masemola | National Police Commissioner, testified about Ramaphosa's knowledge and Mchunu's decision. |
| Senzo Mchunu | Former Police Minister, implicated in the disbandment of the task team and alleged organised crime. |
| Sol Phenduka | Radio Personality, demanding Ramaphosa's testimony before the Madlanga Commission. |
