Police Legal Chief Asserts Mchunu Lacked Authority to Dissolve KZN Political Killings Task Team
Major General Petronella van Rooyen, who leads the legal division of the South African Police Service (SAPS), provided testimony asserting that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu did not possess the authority to disband the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
While presenting her testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, Van Rooyen stressed that the authority to dissolve such units lies within operational issues, which are the exclusive mandate of the national police commissioner.
– Advertisement –
National Commissioner Clarifies Responsibilities
This week, National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola provided clarity on the distinct roles of the Police Minister and himself.
In accordance with the Constitution and the SAPS Act, the national police commissioner oversees operational decisions, whereas the Police Minister deals with political oversight, policy direction, and legislative frameworks.
Advertisements
Masemola asserted that Mchunu’s directive to disband the KZN PKTT exceeded his authority.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Ekurhuleni Deputy Police Chief Faces Suspension Over Alleged Connections To Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala
Van Rooyen also echoed Masemola’s claim on Thursday morning, reiterating that Mchunu’s letter to dissolve the task team clearly pertained to operational issues.
“Did the minister have the authority to command the closure of a task team investigating crimes? In my view, he did not possess that power,” she affirmed.
The Major General is expected to address the legality surrounding the transfer of 121 dockets from the KZN PKTT to SAPS national headquarters in Pretoria.
– Advertisement –
Advertisements
For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X, Instagram and Bluesky
– Advertisement –