Mchunu admits breaking protocol: Police Minister disbanded PKTT without Commissioner briefing

Suspended Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has admitted he was never briefed by the National Police Commissioner before disbanding the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

Mchunu told the Madlanga Commission that at no stage was there an agreement with police management for the disbandment. He issued an instruction for the “immediate disbandment” of the PKTT in December.

READ: Mchunu defends PKTT disbandment: 'I was appointed for honesty, not sentiment'

This decision was marred by controversy and is widely regarded as the spark that ignited the explosive briefing by KwaZulu-Natal Police Boss, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, in July.

Senzo Mchunu has conceded that he broke protocol in issuing the instruction for the disbandment of the PKTT.

When questioned by Commission Chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Mchunu confirmed he took the decision without any consensus being reached by police management.

MADLANGA: "Who is the functionary that would have been placed to brief you? That is a very simple question, Minister, please."

MCHUNU: "It is the National Commissioner."

MADLANGA: "We all know you took the decision without asking him to brief you on whether the PKTT should be disbanded, is that correct?"

MCHUNU: "That is correct."

Mchunu will resume his testimony on Friday morning.