Disbanding of PKTT should serve as a lesson, says Senthumule

Lieutenant-General Khosi Senthumule says the disbanding of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) should serve as a lesson for the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Senthumule warns that failing to properly orientate political principals, including the Police Minister and their deputies, on SAPS operations and scope can undermine morale and disrupt the smooth functioning of the service.

Senthumule has testified that General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi should’ve been the first person to be informed about the disbandment of the Task Team. 

The PKTT was disbanded on 31 December 2024 by police Minister Senzo Mchunu. However, General Mkhwanazi has testified that he was not informed about the disbandment but found out about it on social media. 

General Senthumule has also testified that the dockets which were seized from the PKTT do not belong to the national office. 

“I remember, I won’t mention the name of the General who went on TV and said the dockets are mine. I think that is why we are here today. At national, we don’t own the dockets. The dockets belong to a province and a provincial commissioner is the last number of the province.” 

WATCH | “This was business unusual… General Mkhwanazi should have been the first to be notified,” said Lt Gen Hilda Senthumule, commenting on the processes followed to disband the PKTT. pic.twitter.com/MV6oqrQe45

— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 28, 2025