Mchunu admits lack of evidence in alleged threats from Mkhwanazi amid PKTT disbandment probe
Suspended Police Minister Mchunu conceded during testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating his controversial decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) that he does not possess an audio recording of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, despite earlier alleging serious threats were made against him.
Mchunu had initially told the committee that, following alleged threats from General Mkhwanazi, he instructed his chief of staff, Cedric Nkabinde, to record all conversations between himself and Mkhwanazi.
However, when pressed by ANC MP Xola Nqola, Mchunu clarified that no recording of the threatening remarks exists.
“You advised your chief of staff to record conversations because the situation was agitated. You introduced audio evidence as proof of these threats.
“However, from what I have heard, the recording mainly contains discussions about whether ‘you are clean’ or not, but does not include the actual threats. Can you clarify this?”
Mchunu responded, “The part I was interested in—where threatening statements were allegedly made—was actually a reference made before the start of the recording.
“The conversation on July 5th mentions that if someone were screenshotting the discussions, this part wouldn’t be missed. However, the discussions about ‘fightback’ and whether the Minister was ‘clean’ were not recorded. I thought those parts were recorded, but it turns out they were only referenced.”
When asked if he understood that no direct evidence exists, Mchunu said, “If it pleases the committee, Mr Cedric Nkabinde, my Chief of Staff, can be called to clarify this himself. The fact that the actual recording only contains references does not mean that this is the end of the matter.”
Still, Mchunu ultimately conceded there was no recording of the alleged threats.
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema weighed in, emphasising that the recording “does not exist” and should be placed on record, Mchunu agreed.
The committee then questioned Mchunu about his written directive to “disband the PKTT immediately”—a move that initially sparked outrage and suspicion.
Mchunu defended himself, saying, “The wording in the letter is decisive and consistent with the context, instructing for a preliminary report by the 20th.”
“If you remove ‘preliminary report’, then the phrase ‘disband immediately’ can be misinterpreted. The letter intended to pause, with a report pending, not an outright disbandment effective immediately,” he responded.
When asked why he did not consult the President before issuing the directive, given that the PKTT operated under presidential authority, Mchunu explained that the PKTT and the Interministerial Committee were established in a previous administration and extended annually.
“In the current seventh administration, the Inter-ministerial Committee no longer exists—this is my understanding as I testify now.”
Regarding the current status of the PKTT, Mchunu said it currently operates..
“National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola suggested a phased winding down of the PKTT. Discussions have taken place on multiple platforms, including July 5th and 6th. Although there is a process underway, it is not yet complete. Meanwhile, the PKTT continues to operate.”
The Ad Hoc Committee was established amid serious allegations by Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose July 6 testimony accused a sophisticated crime syndicate of infiltrating multiple law enforcement and intelligence institutions.
Mkhwanazi further alleged that Mchunu disbanded the PKTT to shield alleged criminals.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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