The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been told that political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS) poses “dangerous and unconstitutional consequences.”
Major General Marga van Rooyen testified that policing operations must remain independent, highlighting how blurred lines between political authority and police leadership compromise accountability.
– Advertisement –
Citing Section 199(6) of the Constitution, she stressed that ministers may shape policy but have no mandate to control day-to-day police operations.
“This structure is intended to ensure political accountability but insulating the police operations from undue political interference and I think that is ultimately the goal of getting that line right—to ensure that there’s accountability but not interference in policing,” she told the commission.
Advertisements
Major General: Minister Mchunu Implicated in Closure of Task Team
Van Rooyen’s testimony placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu at the centre of controversy, linking him to the sudden closure of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), which was investigating a series of political assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
She described the order as “sudden and disruptive,” leaving critical investigations in limbo.
“The sudden instruction to close the Political Killings Task Team meant that investigations into assassinations were left in limbo. These were cases of national importance, and disrupting them in this way had a devastating impact. It created an impression that the police service could be steered by political influence rather than the Constitution.”
Van Rooyen added that SAPS leadership was stunned, noting the directive came without due process.
– Advertisement –
Advertisements
“When a minister steps in and instructs that an operational unit must be closed without due process, it creates a serious risk that political interests are being placed above the safety and security of our citizens.
“Bypassing the national commissioner is unlawful.”
Families of Slain Leaders Left Without Justice
The disbandment of the PKTT also left families of assassinated political figures in uncertainty. Van Rooyen said the unit had been making progress when it was abruptly shut down, delaying justice and deepening community fears.
“We are speaking here about families who lost loved ones in targeted killings. The disbandment of the task team denied them justice. Instead of answers, they were left with uncertainty and the impression that their pain was not a priority.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Police Legal Chief Says Mchunu Lacked Authority To Shut Down KZN Political Killings Task Team
She warned that unchecked political interference could extend beyond task team closures, citing risks such as investigators being ordered to withdraw from court cases or failing to oppose bail applications.
“The practical implications of that… are definitely problematic and it shouldn’t be left to the executive.”
For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X, Instagram and Bluesky
– Advertisement –
