Masemola reacted ' softly' on disbandment of Political Killings Task Team, says Bheki Cele
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele expressed frustration with the National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola for being overly “soft” regarding the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
Appearing before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of political interference in the operations of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Cele reflected on events following a letter from then-suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu instructing the disbandment of the PKTT.
PKTT is a unit tasked with investigating politically motivated killings. The former minister expressed frustration that Masemola had not pushed back sufficiently on the decision.
“No, it can’t happen, Masemola became soft,” Cele told the committee, referring to the disbandment.
“Maybe take the opportunity of explaining to Minister Mchunu how it came about and advise.
“But it looks like there was not even an opportunity for the national commissioner to brief the minister on this matter. I think the door was shut for them even if they had wished to do it.”
He added personal observations on Masemola’s leadership style, stating, “Masemola is very respectful, and as a person, he has a good heart. I once said he would have made a good beer shop owner, as he looks after the lions well.”
“But sometimes, maybe he doesn’t push back enough when required. He may take you along until he reaches the cliff — then he jumps with you or off it. He’s a human being with very little ill intent, but I think he lacks the necessary pushback.”
Addressing concerns from EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys about appointing a National Police Commissioner who is independent of political influence, Cele noted the limitations imposed by the Constitution and the appointment procedures.
“You have to start from there; otherwise, no matter what you wish, you’re not going to do anything,” Cele said.
“The appointment process involves a panel and approval by Cabinet, so it follows a political pathway. The same pattern was followed with Masemola’s appointment.”
He also responded to questions about the oversight of the Interministerial Committee (IMC) that oversees the police, Cele clarified.
“The IMC reported to the president, but its issues were also discussed in Cabinet. Minutes exist reflecting those discussions.
“The National Commissioner produced briefing notes on how to inform and engage the IMC, but there were no formal terms of reference except instructions related to operations in KwaZulu-Natal.”
When pressed about a 2019 work-study report to which Mchunu had referred in justifying the PKTT’s disbandment, Cele said Mchunu himself claimed ignorance of the report.
He criticised Mchunu’s rationale, suggesting the consultation with the president was improperly handled.
Beyond the PKTT issue, Cele voiced concern over South Africa’s escalating crime problems, particularly drug trafficking.
He recounted a warning he received during police training in Scotland in 1994. Cele explained why South Africa has become a lucrative market for drug syndicates.
“There were three reasons: our expanding aviation system, the strength of our financial systems allowing easy movement of money, and unfortunately, our poor communities have become easy targets, especially children,” Cele said.
He called for society-wide efforts to combat drug dealing, referencing a 2022 integrated crime and violence prevention strategy endorsed by Cabinet.
Cele lamented the leniency of courts dealing with drug-related crimes and the challenges posed by well-funded criminal syndicates whose budgets outmatch government resources.
Echoing these concerns, Mathys urged parliamentary committees to take note and address the budgetary issues that hamper effective crime fighting, pointing to the Treasury’s tough stance on funding.
Questions about police infiltration allegations from former Mkhwanazi arose during the session. PA MP Ashley Sauls emphasised the need to test these claims thoroughly.
Meanwhile, ANC MP Khusela Diko asked Cele about his working relationship with both Masemola and KZN police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to which Cele responded that they had worked well together.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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