I Assumed It Was Fake Until the Minister Called Me’
In a candid testimony that has shone a light on internal rifts within South Africa’s policing leadership, Deputy Minister of Police Dr Paulina Shela Boshielo has voiced her deep disappointment over the sudden disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). Speaking before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing alleged political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS), Boshielo revealed she first learned of the move through social media and dismissed it as false news until a call from suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed its authenticity. This revelation underscores ongoing concerns about communication breakdowns and decision-making processes at the highest levels of law enforcement, at a time when the country grapples with politically motivated violence and corruption allegations.
The PKTT, set up to tackle murders tied to politics – especially in hotspots like KwaZulu-Natal – was abruptly shut down on 31 December 2024, just before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry kicked off its hearings. Boshielo’s account adds to a growing chorus of voices questioning the handling of this sensitive unit, which had been making strides in cracking cases linked to syndicates and interference. As the committee continues its work, her words highlight the need for better teamwork and transparency to rebuild trust in the police force.
Boshielo’s Shocking Discovery: Social Media Alert and Ministerial Confirmation
Boshielo told the committee she stumbled upon the disbandment directive while it buzzed around social media platforms. At first, she brushed it off as misinformation, a common issue in today’s fast-spreading online world. But on 6 January 2025, Mchunu rang her to verify that the letter was real and came from him.
“I became aware of the Minister’s letter and directive, which was issued on December 31, 2024, while it was circulating on social media. I assumed it was fake until the Minister called me on January 6 this year to confirm it was indeed authentic and authored by him,” Boshielo explained.
Her surprise stemmed from the lack of any heads-up or discussion, despite her role as deputy minister. She felt that, given her position, such a major step should have involved her input. This sentiment echoes broader frustrations within SAPS about how big calls are made without full consultation.
Disappointment Over Lack of Collaboration: A Call for Better Processes
Boshielo did not hold back on her feelings, saying she was “a little disappointed” by the way things played out. She stressed that decisions like disbanding a key task team need joint effort between the executive authority – like the minister – and the accounting officer, in this case, the National Commissioner of SAPS.
“I thought that as Deputy Minister, maybe he would have discussed it with us, but perhaps as executive authority, he felt he didn’t have to,” she said.
She pointed out that officers in the force often get caught in the middle when leaders do not communicate well, leading to confusion and inefficiency. Boshielo suggested clearer processes where everyone agrees on steps before action is taken, to avoid the kind of fallout seen here.
This lack of teamwork has been a recurring theme in the committee’s hearings, with other witnesses also flagging poor internal chats as a barrier to effective policing.
The PKTT’s Role and the Impact of Its Disbandment
The Political Killings Task Team was formed to dig into murders driven by politics, a big issue in places like KwaZulu-Natal where rivalries have led to bloodshed. Led by figures like Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, the team had been probing links between crime syndicates, police insiders, and political players.
Its sudden end raised alarms, especially from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He warned that pulling the plug could derail ongoing cases and let suspects off the hook. Mkhwanazi’s earlier claims about syndicate infiltration in SAPS sparked the Ad Hoc Committee’s formation, and the disbandment has been seen as a potential block to getting the full truth.
Boshielo agreed that the matter “could have been handled differently,” suggesting a more thoughtful approach might have kept the team going while inquiries ran their course. She highlighted how such moves affect morale and the public’s faith in the police.
Broader Concerns: Communication Gaps and the Ad Hoc Committee’s Mission
Boshielo also touched on deeper issues within SAPS, noting that the minister and national commissioner “are not talking as much as they should,” which frustrates top managers and slows down work. She praised the committee’s role in uncovering these problems, saying its findings could lead to a more effective and trusted police service.
The 11-member Ad Hoc Committee, set up after Mkhwanazi’s allegations surfaced, started hearings on 7 October 2025. It is looking into a so-called ‘Big Five’ syndicate’s influence on law enforcement and intelligence. Witnesses have shared tales of bribes, leaks, and meddling, with names like businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala popping up as alleged key players.
Boshielo’s testimony builds on that of former Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, who also learned of the disbandment through whispers and thought it was fake at first. Both accounts point to a pattern of siloed decisions that could undermine efforts to clean up the force.
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