The acting Minister of Police Professor Firoz Cachalia denied interference and said his concern regarding the return of 121 dockets to the Political Killings Task Team falls within his executive responsibilities.

Cachalia’s statement comes after General Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner, announced that the dockets would be processed and returned to KwaZulu-Natal to allow the investigative team to proceed with their work.

Speaking to IOL, Cachalia’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said the minister had a discussion with Masemola about what would be happening with the Political Killings Task Team and Masemola informed him that there would be a gradual dissolution of the Political Killings Task Team.

“He therefore asked for a clear plan to deal with these investigations and that efforts should be made to strengthen investigations into killings of whistleblowers and others in Gauteng. It was clear that any steps taken should not amount to any interference of the functioning and the work of the Commission of Inquiry,” said Mogotsi.

Mogotsi said the minister was concerned that Masemola took a different approach by returning the dockets to the Political Killings Task Team.

In addition, she said Cachalia was not overstepping his boundaries because as the political head of the department, he has a constitutional and legal duty to ensure that the South African Police Services (SAPS) delivers on its mandate.

“The Minister of Police has no intention of suspending or obstructing any ongoing operations or investigations by the SAPS,” she said.

Moreover, Cachalia indicated that he wants Masemola to submit a report on the Task Team without further delay.

The 121 dockets are central to claims of political interference 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 the 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. Masemola announced this week imminent plans to establish the same unit for Gauteng.

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 Mchunu’s 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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