By Johnathan Paoli
The ad-hoc committee probing the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) resumed on Tuesday with deputy police minister Polly Boshielo, who defended the role of deputy ministers, clarified constitutional boundaries and denied any prior knowledge of controversial figures linked to alleged police corruption.
Boshielo reiterated that it was practically impossible for the PKTT to have been disbanded on 31 December 2024, saying there was neither a formal process nor adequate consultation between key police leaders.
She confirmed that she was unaware of any Independent Ministerial Committee (IMC) appointments concerning political killings.
“When you serve in the IMC, the President will write you a letter to say you are serving in the IMC. I have not received any letter, so that is why I didn’t know if I was part of it or not,” Boshielo said.
Pressed by Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Glynnis Breytenbach, Boshielo said she had discussed the lack of delegations with then-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on three occasions but was unaware of any direct interference in police operations.
Boshielo added that the National Policing Policy, which had been under review, was taken to Cabinet and the provinces for approval but had not yet been discussed directly between herself and Mchunu.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Leigh-Ann Mathys challenged Boshielo on the growing influence of private security firms taking over the functions of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Boshielo conceded that private security companies possessed better technology and said her department had initiated discussions with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority.
On the disbandment of the PKTT, Mathys asked if it was clear from Mchunu’s discussions that the unit would be dissolved.
Boshielo replied no, clarifying that the focus had instead been on empowering the murder and robbery unit.
Mathys then raised the issue of alleged illegal phone bugging of senior SAPS officials, including former Minister Bheki Cele, calling it symptomatic of a lawless system.
Boshielo denied knowledge of such practices; and when asked about links between SAPS officials and the ANC’s head of security, she replied that she was not aware.
The EFF MP criticised the cost of Boshielo’s ministry, estimated at R63 million, despite no formal delegations being issued to her a year after appointment, questioning the constitutional necessity of deputy ministers.
Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls pressed Boshielo on reported divisions within SAPS leadership, particularly between Mchunu, National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, and KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“When you are writing letters, it’s like you are starting a disciplinary file,” Boshielo said, acknowledging visible tensions but denying factionalism.
Asked directly whether Mchunu or Sibiya were corrupt or protected drug cartels, Boshielo said that she did not know, but that one must have all the evidence before coming to a conclusion.
Sauls asked whether she thought Mchunu’s suspension was justified, with Boshielo clarifying that he was not suspended but on special leave.
uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) MP Vusi Shongwe questioned the value of deputy ministers, suggesting they earn ghost salaries.
Boshielo replied humorously that she believed she was underpaid, insisting that the notion that deputy ministers just earn their salaries and do nothing is not correct.
When asked why President Cyril Ramaphosa did not appoint one of the two deputy ministers as acting minister during Mchunu’s absence, she insisted on the president’s prerogative to appoint.
Shongwe’s line of questioning drew interventions from African National Congress (ANC) MP Khusela Diko and MKP MP Sibonelo Nomvalo, prompting Committee Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane to caution members to remain within the inquiry’s terms of reference.
Later, MKP MP David Skosana asked whether Mchunu’s handling of the PKTT and tender matters justified reinstatement.
Boshielo said such determinations should await the committee’s findings.
DA MP Ian Cameron and Inkatha Freedom Party MP Albert Mncwango raised concerns about alleged links between SAPS officials and businessmen Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi.
Boshielo distanced herself, saying she did not know Matlala or Mogotsi.
However, she confirmed that Mchunu had personally questioned Matlala’s tender in December 2024, even after the SAPS Supply Chain Management division found it compliant.
“Mchunu insisted the contract be cancelled,” she said, adding that an internal audit later confirmed irregularities, leading to the tender’s withdrawal five months after its award.
Mncwango alleged that Matlala told Cele he was asked to fund an ANC campaign in exchange for the tender and instructed not to contact Cele or Zuma, claims Boshielo said she could not verify.
ActionSA MP Dereleen James questioned whether Boshielo’s testimony added value to the committee’s work.
Boshielo maintained that it did, expressing disappointment at how the PKTT matter was handled.
Committee chair Soviet Lekganyane closed proceedings, announcing that Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia will testify on Wednesday morning.
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