I did not approve PKTT disbandment – Ramaphosa

by Staff Bona

President Cyril Ramaphosa has denied approving the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), distancing himself from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s decision.

Also see: ‘I welcome the President’s decision’ Senzo Mchunu bows out amid police probe

In written submissions to Parliament’s ad hoc committee, Ramaphosa said he was not consulted and expressed dissatisfaction, stressing that only National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola had the authority to dissolve the unit.

“I conveyed my dissatisfaction at not having been consulted prior to this decision being taken. I further indicated that, in my view, this was a decision for the national commissioner to make,” Ramaphosa said.

Also see: General Mkhwanazi reveals motive behind DJ Sumbody’s murder

The president said that he learned of the decision around 1 February 2025 from Masemola, who told him that Mchunu had ordered the unit to be disbanded.

“I understood the National Commissioner to have disagreed with the minister and, this being within his powers, to have acted as he saw fit in response thereto, seeking to ensure the work of the PKTT continued.

“I did not approve of this decision [to disband the PKTT]. It was my understanding, from my initial discussion with the National Commissioner, that the PKTT would continue its work.” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa also rejected claims of political interference or efforts to halt investigations, noting that politically motivated killings – especially in KwaZulu-Natal – remain a serious threat to democracy.

The submission forms part of an inquiry into alleged corruption and interference in the justice system, with MPs having posed around 100 questions to the president.

Compiled by Betha Madhomu 

First published on African Insider 

Also see: More witnesses delay Madlanga Commission as Ramaphosa extends reporting deadline

Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!