The South African Communist Party (SACP) in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed dissatisfaction with the disbanding of the country’s political killings task team. According to SACP provincial secretary Themba Mthembu, the team should not only be disbanded but also investigated for its activities.
During a press briefing in Durban, Mthembu raised concerns about the “mysterious” killing of “potential suspects” in political killings, which he found to be unusual. He also mentioned the assassination of former ANC youth league secretary Sindiso Magaqa in 2017. New evidence suggests that Magaqa was shot using a weapon purchased with money from Crime Intelligence’s secret account, under the command of Dumisani Khumalo.
The allegations, reportedly contained in an affidavit by an undercover operative, accuse the crime intelligence unit of being used as a “Third Force” to supply criminals with stolen cars and unlicensed firearms to target ANC councillors. Mthembu emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the task team and its activities.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently directed the disbandment of the political killings task team, citing its lack of value in policing in South Africa. While this decision has received mixed reactions, violence monitor Mary de Haas has welcomed the disbandment, calling for it in a letter to Mchunu in October.
De Haas accused the task team of achieving very little, overspending, and interfering with investigations handled by other officers. She also raised concerns about the team’s use of the national intervention unit and called for an audit of its funding.
Mthembu urged Mchunu to appoint an investigative team to look into broader killings and revisit the final report of the Moerane Commission of Inquiry. The commission, established in 2016, investigated political killings in KwaZulu-Natal but was criticized for its limited mandate and failure to recommend prosecutions.
The commission heard testimony about police brutality, alleged police involvement in killings, and police turning a blind eye to potential hits. Despite evidence of police incompetence or manipulation, none of the officers named were held accountable.
In conclusion, the SACP in KwaZulu-Natal is calling for a thorough investigation into the disbandment of the political killings task team and a revisit of the Moerane Commission’s findings. The goal is to address the underlying causes of political violence in the province and restore public confidence in the police service.
