Masemola tells Madlanga Commission that he informed Ramaphosa about Mchunu's attempt to disband Political Killings Task Team

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has revealed that he informed President Cyril Ramaphosa about Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's attempt to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT)

Masemola testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Monday, which is investigating allegations of police corruption.

A significant part of his testimony centered on efforts to dissolve the task team.

KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has alleged that Mchunu may have sought the disbandment to shield criminal syndicates.

Masemola said that, although he opposed Mchunu's bid to disband the PKTT, he eventually conceded to the instruction because of mounting pressure.

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He said once it became evident that Mchunu was determined to dissolve the unit, he escalated the matter to the president as a last resort.

"The only avenue I know is the president. In this case, General Mkhwanazi did report this to the portfolio committee of police, with no assistance, and I can't go to court and take the minister to court."

At the heart of the issue was the interpretation of Section 207(2) of the Constitution, which states that the national police commissioner must exercise control over SAPS in line with the directions of the police minister.

Masemola admits that Mchunu's instruction to disband the political killings task team was not supported by the constitution.

Despite this, he still conceded to the minister's order.