At least 121 police dockets will be to be returned to the political killings task team after they were removed from the unit.

The dockets are central to claims of political interference made by allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

In July, Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in police operations and ordering the disbandment of the high-profile Political Killings Task Team and the removal of 121 dockets from the unit.

The Political Killings Task Team was established in 2019 following the 2016 Moerane Commission’s investigation into the root causes of political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.

The commission made comprehensive recommendations to address political violence, leading to the formation of the task team with a mandate to investigate and resolve unresolved politically motivated murders, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mkhwanazi, a senior police officer known for his firm stance against corruption and internal interference, said the move amounted to obstruction of justice.

His explosive claims sparked national uproar, with Mchunu denying the claims as “baseless,” and President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing a judicial commission of inquiry into the matter.

Mchunu has since been placed on special leave pending the outcome of the investigations.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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