Madlanga Commission hears attempt to disband KZN Political Killings Task Team could have impacted upcoming municipal elections

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard that attempts to disband the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team could have had a major impact on the upcoming local government elections.

Testifying before the commission for day 2 in Pretoria on Thursday, KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi disclosed correspondence between himself and provincial National Prosecution Authority (NPA) head, Elaine Harrison.

In the exchanges, Harrison expressed concern over the questionable move to shut down the task team, which had allegedly been making progress in solving some politically motivated murders.

The disbandment of the unit is at the centre of allegations of political interference with the unit.

In July, Mkhwanazi alleged that police minister Senzo Mchunu had been influenced by elements linked to a criminal syndicate to disband the political killings task team.

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The task team had been collaborating with a dedicated group of prosecutors appointed by Harrison to investigate cases alongside the unit.

Upon learning of Mchunu's directive to dissolve the team, both Harrison and Mkhwanazi expressed concern over the motive and warned that such a move could derail key investigations.

Mkhwanazi has read a letter from Harrison detailing her specific concerns about the disbandment.

"In 2026, there will be local government elections. We are aware that all elections are preceded by violent political activity. This consists of murder, attempted murder, assaults, crimen injuria, and malicious injury to property. The modus operandi differs in that it may involve members from the same political party or between different parties."

Although Minister Mchunu had issued a directive to disband the team, Mkhwanazi said the unit continued its work.

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