From my Fathers Service to the Madlanga Commission: Why Political Killings Matter?

How a task team I first learned about at home became central to South Africa’s biggest inquiry into police and politics 

The year 2019 marked a significant change in my fathers career. He was one of the Brigadiers that were appointed to serve in the Political Killings Task Team known as the (PKTT). His appointment introduced me to another function in the South African Police Service (SAPS)-a unit I had never thought about before.

Over forty years of service, I have had the privilege to be mentored by him and gain a deeper understanding of the organisation’s role. 

The work of SAPS goes far beyond creating a safe and secure environment for all people. It is a call of duty to serve to– prevent, combat and investigate crime while maintaining public order. 

Gaining insight into the PKTT and the reality of political killings shifted not only my mindset but also how I viewed SAPS itself.

This background made it unsurprising to me, when Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made claims that political interference, corruption and criminal networks have deeply compromised the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other institutions. At the center of his allegations lies the PKTT–a specialized unit tasked with investigating political killings, an area that many South Africans may not even know exists.

Why Political Killings Matter?

In stark reality politically motivated killings are linked to local government disputes, intra-party rivalries and corruption. Their existence weakens public institutions and erodes public trust. If not addressed they threaten to spread across the country with innocent lives lost along the way.

The commission’s role is therefore critical: to look into the allegations and test whether the country’s justice system can hold itself accountable in the face of these systemic challenges. 

What we have seen so far: Daily snapshots 

Day 1: The commission was opened by Justice Madlanga outlining its mandate. Mkhwanazi began presenting his evidence, focusing on the disbandment of the PKTT and suggesting political interference. 

Day 2: Testimonies continued, elaborating on the PKTTs operations and the timeline of its disbandment. 

Day 3: Mkhwanazi deepened his testimony, detailing alleged interference from senior officials. 

Day 4: National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola testimony -responded to the allegations and defended the police leadership actions.

Day 5-9: SAPS representatives spoke to the effectiveness of the task team, operations and eventual disbandment. Evidence was produced in the form of WhatsApp message texts, call traces and video links between the implicated officials. General Khumalo noted that parts of this evidence could not be revealed because the case remains ongoing. 

Taken together, these testimonies not only highlight individual disputes but also raise broader questions about governance and accountability. 

Themes emerging from the commission

1. PKTT establishment and disbandment 
2. Accountability 

PKTT establishment and disbandment

PKTT was established during a period of rising political killings. Its creation, directed by the President, represented a national intervention against escalating violence. The Global Initiative Against Transactional Organised Crime reported 15 political killings in KwaZulu- Natal in 2021 and 21 in 2022–constituting at least 50% of the national total in both years. 

The task team quickly built a reputation for its effectiveness, if so why was it disbanded? Could its effectiveness be undermined by political interference? 

Accountability

The PKTTs  very purpose was to ensure accountability for the politically motivated killings. Yet the hearings reveal systematic challenges in holding officials to account. The reasons for the PKTTs disbandment remain unclear, leaving lingering questions about whether justice was ever allowed to run its course. 

Looking ahead 

Although the commission is still in its early stages, it has already shed light on South Africa’s deepest governance challenges. The ultimate question rests on every South African’s shoulders–will the commission restore trust in public institutions or will it expose fractures too deep to repair?

What remains clear is that political killings are not isolated crimes. Political killings are symptoms of a larger crisis in accountability and governance. Whether through the commission or PKTT South Africa cannot afford to look away.

Personal reflections 

For me, watching this commission has been an eye-opener. It is deeply disheartening to see all evidence laid out so starkly– WhatsApp messages, call records and video links exposing the conversations of implicated officials. It is one thing to read about corruption allegations in the news; it is  another to watch the evidence presented in black and white.

This moment calls for honest conversations about the ANC government. At the same, the growing comfort with corruption is sadly no surprise. Greed has become a culture and it seeps into the very institutions meant to protect South Africans.

I find myself questioning the future of our country.  Where do we go from here? Will this commission of inquiry truly lead to accountability or will it become another chapter in a long list of unfinished stories?

The real question is this: are we still on a quest to defend our democracy or will the outcome of next year’s local government elections decide that for us?  

Phiwe Mncwabe is a pan-African storyteller, blogger and founder of Botlhale Hub Afrika.

More stories–https://botlhaleafrika.co.za/ 

Instagram– Phiwe_ Mncwabe

Tik Tok- PhiweMncwabe 

Twitter– Phiwe_ Mncwabe_ 

LinkedIn– Phiwe Mncwabe

No Facebook account

I am not affiliated to any political party. I am affiliated to the Africans. 

The views that  I share are mine and not affiliated to any employer. These views are not meant to bring harm.

Let’s talk about Africa. Which African country must I visit next? 

Read Africa. Write about Africa. Put Africa first!

The hashtag to follow is #africabelongstoUS , #amplifyingvoices, #authenticstories