Latest news with #PoliticalKillingsTaskTeam
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
uMkhonto weSizwe Party praises SAPS for reinstating Political Killings Task Team
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has unleashed a storm in South Africa's world of intelligence. His explosive disclosures have triggered a deluge of questions, literally opening Pandora's Box. Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has expressed renewed confidence in the South African Police Service (SAPS) following the reinstatement of the Political Killings Task Team, describing the move as a pivotal step towards restoring justice for victims of politically and criminally motivated violence that has engulfed the nation. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlhela praised the task team for their "perseverance and professionalism," which he said had illuminated numerous crimes that might have otherwise faded into obscurity. Nhlamulo Ndhlela affirms the MK Party's confidence in the re-establishment of the SAPS "Political Killings Task Team," Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading "We celebrate the effectiveness of the Political Killings Task Team, which has already arrested and charged 436 individuals; this is clear evidence of their capabilities," Ndlhela noted. Ndlhela articulated a strong stance on the principle that 'justice delayed is justice denied,' underscoring the urgency for swift action in the pursuit of justice for all victims. Ndlhela rejected calls for a judicial commission of inquiry intended to scrutinise allegations made by General Mkhwanazi regarding the now-suspended police minister, Senzo Mchunu's alleged collusion with criminal elements. He argued that such a commission could only serve to delay justice even further. "We urge General Mkhwanazi and the Political Killings Task Team to act swiftly and make additional arrests, including any of those implicated politicians, parliamentarians, and members of the judiciary, specifically naming Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya,' Ndlhela asserted. In a show of support for the task team, Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe echoed sentiments of gratitude towards the team's diligent work, stating that Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola was pleased with the task team's progress. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola spoke to the media after signing a memorandum following the "Hands Off Mkhwanazi" march in Durban. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers "General Masemola is optimistic about the hope that their ongoing investigations will ultimately bring closure to the affected families,' Mathe conveyed. Highlighting the commitment of law enforcement personnel, she said, "Well done to the teams that have been piecing together evidence since November 2022. This is the culmination of hard work and dedication to justice. It is crucial that we take our time to ensure a thorough investigation, so we can present a strong case before the court." The MK Party has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the task team, applauding their unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, especially in cases fraught with political sensitivities. "We urge the continuation of their mandate, free from political interference, and we remain resolute in our call for full accountability. We reiterate that justice must never be compromised,' Ndlhela urged. DAILY NEWS
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Four suspects in DJ Sumbody's murder due in court TODAY
The four suspects arrested for the murder of renowned musician DJ Sumbody are scheduled to appear in court today, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. DJ Sumbody, whose real name is Oupa Sefoka, was fatally shot in a hail of bullets in November 2022. DJ SUMBODY MURDER SUSPECTS DUE IN COURT TODAY On Monday, police confirmed the arrest of four suspects between the ages of 45 and 60 linked to the murder of DJ Sumbody. According to authorities, three of the suspects are alleged to be hitmen. The fourth is believed to be the mastermind who ordered the killing. All four suspects are expected to appear in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court today, 22 July 2025. Furthermore, they are facing three counts of murder. These charges specifically relate to the deaths of DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. MASSEMOLA HAILS BREAKTHROUGH IN DJ SUMBODY MURDER CASE On Monday, SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola praised the breakthrough made by the Political Killings Task Team and Gauteng Organised Crime detectives. According to SAPS, detectives seized the firearm used in DJ Sumbody's murder and linked it to multiple other cases. General Masemola described the discovery as a major step that could finally bring long-awaited closure to the affected families. 'Well done to the teams that have been piecing together evidence since November 2022. This is a culmination of hard work and dedication to justice. This is one of those complex cases that our teams needed to take their time in ensuring a thorough investigation so that we could ultimately bring a strong case before the court', said Gen Fannie Masemola. DO YOU BELIEVE JUSTICE IS FINALLY BEING SERVED IN THE DJ SUMBODY MURDER CASE? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Calls for Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss police leadership over corruption claims
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been called to clean up the South African Police Service (SAPS). Image: Supplied President Cyril Ramaphosa has been called to clean the South African Police Service (SAPS) and appoint new ethical leaders. This is according to the letter written by a forensic private investigator, Paul O'Sullivan, who said Ramaphosa should fire Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. He also wants police commissioners Fannie Masemola and Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to be suspended. This comes after Mkhwanazi implicated senior SAPS officials in corruption, claiming police have failed to act on evidence tying firearms to high-profile killings, including those of prominent South African artists. Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of sabotaging critical crime-fighting efforts for ordering the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team—a unit established in 2018 under President Cyril Ramaphosa's inter-ministerial committee (IMC) to tackle politically motivated murders. He alleged that Mchunu, in collaboration with Deputy Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya, withdrew 121 case dockets from the team in March 2025, leaving them untouched at SAPS headquarters in Pretoria, despite five being ready for arrests. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He also claimed that Mchunu was in constant communication with criminal syndicates, naming a businessman, Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, and an associate, Mr. Brown Mogotsi (also referred to as Mahodi or Maki in various statements), as key players funding Mchunu's political activities. Responding to allegations, Ramaphosa announced that he would set up a judicial commission of inquiry to look into corruption allegations within the top brass of the country's law enforcement agencies, while Mchunu was placed on a leave of absence pending the investigation into the allegations. Sibiya was also asked to take a leave of absence on Tuesday. O'Sullivan also wants Ramaphosa to look into how Mchunu hired Cedrice Nkabinde as the chief of staff despite being implicated in the sworn statement of the former acting head of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in Limpopo, Humbulani Khuba, who claimed that Nkabinde was offered and accepted a bribe to help the former National Commissioner, Khomotso Phahlane, who was accused of corruption, 'to get off the hook'. He added that Khuba was also lured to a secret meeting with Mkhwanazi, in an attempt to recruit him to protect Phahlane. However, Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Mangwenya, did not respond. Phahlane, who served as police national commissioner from October 2015 to June 2017, was accused of siphoning R54 million of public money to a 'business' associate, Inbanathan Kistiah. Phahlane was dismissed from the police after 3 years on suspension, after being found guilty of dishonest conduct in 2020. Phahlane also faces a raft of corruption, fraud and money laundering related to a tender for Gauteng police to fit 1,550 vehicles with blue lights, sirens and radios, among other equipment. In his sworn statement signed in July 2018, Khuba, who was assisting the National Task team probing Phahlane, claimed that Nkabinde gave false information in a sworn statement in an attempt to scupper the corruption case against Phahlane. He said Nkabinde accused him of 'pre-arranging' the media during the search at Phahlane's home. Khuba said Nkabinde also accused IPID of allowing O'Sullivan, his assistant Sarah Trend and AfriForum of spearheading the investigation and leaking information to the media. He added that Nkabinde said the division conducted an investigation through the media to tarnish the images of specific individuals. Khuba also said Mkhwanazi approached him during a meeting in February 2018, and told him that he was in a possession of a 204 statement from Nkabinde. He said Mkhwanazi further told him that the head of the investigation, Mandlakayise Mahlangu, who confirmed that the SAPS approached him to implicate the IPID management, also wrote his statement and it was ready to be signed, but he (Mahlangu) was afraid of the executive director. Khuba said this was also a way of soliciting information from him. Nkabinde resigned in September 2018, following his withdrawal from the disciplinary hearing. Responding to the allegations, Nkabinde said he followed all the recruitment processes in terms of the Ministerial Handbook, adding that all necessary screenings were conducted. 'If anyone has any evidence of any wrongdoing, they can go to the nearest police station and open the case, instead of tarnishing my name through the media without any substance. I don't have any pending cases against me nor any previous convictions, so I don't know what they are talking about, except that they are trying to tarnish my name using the media,' he said. Asked if Mchunu would also respond to the allegations, spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said allegations were certain to Nkabinde, and he has provided a response. O'Sullivan also questioned the appointments of Masemola and Mkhwanazi, saying the two were also implicated in the unlawful purchase of luxury cars from the crime intelligence slush funds in 2012. The purchase of more than R35 million was allegedly authorised by Masemola, who was acting head of the division, and approved by Mkhwanazi. He also accused Masemola of failing to suspend any of the five generals and two brigadiers who were arrested a few weeks ago, in relation to the ongoing investigation into alleged abuse of intelligence funds, which includes unlawful acquisition of two high-value properties valued at R22.7m and R22.8m, respectively. Mkhwanazi's spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda, refused to respond to the questions and instead requested the documents. '2012 is a long time ago, and Lt Gen Mkhwanazi would like to have proof of such a purchase. If you don't have one, perhaps you should ask Paul to provide you with one. Lt Gen Mkhwanazi is not aware and has not seen any sworn statement by the person mentioned in your enquiry. It would be appreciated if you could furnish us with the said sworn statement,' he said. Masemola's spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, on the other hand, said the SAPS does not comment on operational matters within the crime intelligence space. O'Sullivan added that Masemola should also explain the details of his visit to China in 2023, adding that he should provide the cost of the flights, hotel, and explain the purpose of the trip. 'In October 2023, Masemola was invited to China on a private visit by the telecommunications company, Huawei. He took a delegation of 10 or more, which cost SAPS a million rand for this private visit. He stayed in a 5-star hotel called Shangri-la in Pudong. Now, Huawei laptops have been rolled out to users in SAPS,' he said.
The Star
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Pretoria Sangoma predicts Cabinet reshuffle for Mchunu, not suspension
A Pretoria-based sangoma claims President Cyril Ramaphosa will not suspend embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu but will instead implement a broader Cabinet reshuffle, which may include two other under-fire ministers. Solly Mathebula, known as 'Mkhulu Mahlasela' from Mamelodi, said his bone-throwing reading shows that Ramaphosa will opt to reassign Mchunu to a different portfolio rather than suspending him following allegations of interference in police operations. 'The bones are saying that Ramaphosa will not suspend Mchunu,' he said. Political parties have been calling on Ramaphosa to show Mchunu the door after the allegations. 'He will move him to another department to avoid interference with the investigations. This way, he keeps him active while ensuring the investigations continue.' Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation at 7pm on Sunday. Mkhulu Mahlasela's predictions come after Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi last week accused Mchunu of protecting criminal networks and interfering in police investigations. He alleged that Mchunu disbanded the Political Killings Task Team in March, withdrawing 121 active dockets, many linked to political killings. Mkhwanazi presented WhatsApp messages, SA Police Service (SAPS) documents, and cellphone records as evidence of a coordinated effort to dismantle the task team. He also implicated Brown Mogotsi, a 'comrade' of Mchunu, in communicating with suspects, including business tycoon Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who secured a R360 million police contract in 2024. However, the controversial contract was later scrapped. According to Mkhwanazi, Mogotsi informed Matlala that the unit was disbanded and that SAPS crime detection head Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya had assumed control of the dockets. Financial links allegedly connect Mchunu, Mogotsi, and Matlala to political events and fundraisers. 'This was no accident,' Mkhwanazi said. 'It was a calculated move to shield a criminal syndicate embedded in law enforcement and politics.' Since its formation in 2018, the task team handled 612 cases and secured more than 100 convictions. Mkhwanazi said efforts to disband it escalated after experts linked weapons to high-profile assassinations. In a December 2024 letter to Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, Mchunu claimed the unit had 'outlived its usefulness.' However, Masemola later denied authorising its closure. Mkhulu Mahlasela, who has been reading the bones for more than 15 years, said Mchunu is not the only Cabinet minister likely to be moved. He predicted that Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane will also be reassigned following backlash over the controversial appointments to SETA boards. This comes after the appointment of politically connected individuals to SETA boards, including the son of Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, Buyambo and former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dr Dube-Ncube, were appointed during the now-reversed process. 'Nkabane will be reshuffled,' said Mkhulu Mahlasela. 'Ramaphosa won't fire her either, but will just assign someone else temporarily while investigations continue.' Social Development Minister Sisi Tolashe, responsible for the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), may also face consequences due to issues related to delayed social grant payments. 'The bones say Ramaphosa will act on SASSA issues. There's fraud happening inside the department involving tenders and constant social grants payments delays," said Mkhulu Mahlasela. SASSA, however, previously denied claims that grants have been suspended. In a July 7 statement, the agency said the delays were due to a mandatory national review process targeting beneficiaries with potential undeclared income. 'There has been no suspension of social grants,' SASSA said. 'Grants are delayed only until recipients complete the required reviews.' SASSA CEO Themba Matlou added that the process ensures grants are not issued to the deceased or those no longer eligible. Mkhulu Mahlasela further warned that Mkhwanazi 'needs to be protected' following his explosive allegations. He says the bones say that Ramaphosa may elevate Mkhwanazi to a higher position within SAPS to silence him. 'Ramaphosa is very intelligent… If he does not renew Mkhwanazi's contract, it will raise red flags,' he said. 'He will promote him to a much higher position, not to reward him, but to silence him.' Mkhulu Mahlasela also accused Sibiya of interfering with police investigations and withholding crucial information. 'Sibiya is hiding a lot… His name appears in many of these allegations,' he said. Meanwhile, the nation awaits Ramaphosa's response following mounting calls for accountability. [email protected] IOL
News24
13-07-2025
- Politics
- News24
Ramaphosa establishes commission of inquiry into SAPS, puts Mchunu on special leave
President Cyril Ramaphosa established a judicial commission of inquiry into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on Sunday. Read his full address to the nation below: My Fellow South Africans, I address you this evening on a matter that concerns the security of our country, the integrity of our law enforcement agencies and the safety of our people. Last Sunday, the 6th of July 2025, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, held a media briefing in which he made public serious allegations about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures in South Africa. Lt Gen Mkhwanazi alleged that the Minister of Police allegedly interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with business people, including a murder accused, to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal. Lt Gen Mkhwanazi also said that a police investigation by the task team in Gauteng unmasked a syndicate controlled by a drug cartel, which involves politicians, law enforcement officials from the SAPS, metro police and correctional services, prosecutors and the judiciary, as well as business people. The allegations made in this media briefing raise serious concerns around the constitution, the rule of law and national security. These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption. South Africans are concerned about corruption and the rise of criminality in our country, which manifests itself in the killing of innocent people, gender-based violence, gang violence, kidnappings, construction mafia criminality and many others. As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies. These allegations therefore call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation. To address these allegations and the implications of these allegations, I am establishing a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Justice Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC. The Commission will investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates. Among the allegations that the Commission may investigate are the facilitation of organised crime; suppression or manipulation of investigations; inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership; commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistleblowers or officials resisting criminal influence. The Commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity; failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings; or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate's operations. These institutions are the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. The Commission will also investigate whether any members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above. The Commission will be asked to report on the effectiveness or failure of oversight mechanisms, and the adequacy of current legislation, policies and institutional arrangements in preventing such infiltration. It will make findings and recommendations for criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions and institutional reform. Once established, the Commission shall consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies. Where appropriate, the Commission must make recommendations on the employment status of such officials, including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations. The Commission will have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation an urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the Commission will uncover. It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness. The Commission is expected to complete its work and submit a final report to the President. Interim reports are expected after 3 and 6 months respectively. The final report of the Commission will be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice. Acting Deputy Chief Justice Madlanga is retiring from the Constitutional Court at the end of July 2025 after years of distinguished service, and will therefore be able to give his full time and attention to the work of this commission. In order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police Mr Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect. The Minister has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work. I have decided to appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police. Professor Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as an MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng. I am appointing Prof Cachalia in terms of Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to select no more than two Ministers from outside the National Assembly. Professor Cachalia will be retiring from his current position at the University of Witwatersrand at the end of July. I will appoint an acting minister from within Cabinet until Professor Cachalia takes up his post at the beginning of August. This Commission is being established against the backdrop of significant progress in rebuilding and strengthening our country's law enforcement agencies and security services. In recent years, the South African Police Service, the Special Investigating Unit, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and other bodies have been making important inroads in the fight against organised crime and corruption. It is essential that we maintain this momentum and that we intensify this work. We will ensure that the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies continue to function without hindrance as the commission undertakes its work. I call on all members of our law enforcement agencies and security services to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and adhering to their code of conduct. I call on all South Africans to support the commission in its work and, where appropriate, to provide any information or assistance the commission may require. In establishing this Commission of Inquiry, we are affirming our commitment to the rule of law, to transparency and accountability, and to building a South Africa in which all people are safe and secure. I thank you.
