President rebukes Minister Mchunu in written submission to police corruption inquiry

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his "dissatisfaction" with Minister Senzo Mchunu’s decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) without prior consultation.

In a written submission to the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of police corruption, the President directly addressed the controversial directive issued by Mchunu, who is currently on special leave.

The submission contradicts previous testimony provided by Mchunu last year, in which the Minister claimed he had informed the President of the decision and received his support.

However, Ramaphosa maintains that during a meeting in February last year, he explicitly conveyed his displeasure at not being consulted before the decision was taken.

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The President further informed the Minister that he expected to be kept abreast of any further developments impacting investigations into political killings.

Ramaphosa also clarified his view on the legal authority surrounding the task team, stating that the decision to disband the PKTT should have remained with National Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

According to the President, such a move falls within the Commissioner's specific administrative powers rather than the Minister's. While the President did not provide Masemola with a direct update on the matter, he noted his understanding that the National Commissioner had disagreed with Mchunu’s directive.

The Ad Hoc Committee, which is currently probing the legality of the disbandment and broader police corruption, previously agreed that the President would not be required to appear in person.

Instead, this written submission serves as his formal account of the events. Ramaphosa concluded by stating that he has provided all information at his disposal to the committee to assist in their ongoing investigation.