ANC rejects claims Mchunu was influenced in task team's disbandment

The African National Congress (ANC) has dismissed allegations that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was swayed by external forces to terminate the Political Killings Task Team. Mchunu's decision to disband the unit on December 31, 2024, has sparked controversy and is currently under scrutiny in Parliament's investigation into claims of police corruption.

During discussions on Monday, the ad hoc committee reviewed amendments and submissions from various political parties regarding the task team's report. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) contended that Mchunu's actions were influenced by individuals outside the police force, specifically violence monitor Mary de Haas and alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi, and demanded firmer conclusions against the minister.

ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli disagreed with this assessment, asserting that there was no proof Mchunu acted under someone else's direction. "I don’t agree with the strong assertion that the minister has been influenced," Ntuli stated, emphasizing that Mchunu had considered various interventions before reaching his decision.

Opposition parties, however, challenged the ANC's stance. EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys cited Mchunu's own testimony, where he admitted receiving complaints about the task team from sources outside the South African Police Service. This testimony allegedly mentioned Mary de Haas as one of the complainants. Similar arguments were made by MP Vusi Shongwe, who argued that De Haas's complaints were among the factors that influenced Mchunu's decision to disband the task team.

The DA aligned with the ANC, asserting that the MKP's claims lacked substantial evidence, while the EFF, Patriotic Alliance, and ActionSA supported the MKP's viewpoint. The disagreement stems from testimony presented to the Madlanga Commission, which investigates allegations of Mchunu's involvement in disbanding the task team. Mchunu faces accusations of political interference, corruption, and ties to criminal organizations.

The commission has also received claims that he attempted to manipulate police leadership, shared sensitive intelligence, and pressured witnesses to fabricate cases against senior crime intelligence officials. Mchunu denies any wrongdoing and maintains that he acted independently in his ministerial capacity. He previously stated that complaints from De Haas and former administrative official Patricia Mashale alleged human rights abuses and misconduct within the task team but insisted they did not dictate his decision. Mchunu is anticipated to reappear before the commission at a later stage.