Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale has revealed a significant operational gap within South Africa’s Ministry of Police. Testifying before a parliamentary ad hoc committee, Mathale stated that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has not delegated any official duties to him or Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo since their appointments in June of last year....Click to Read More >>➤

The committee is currently investigating serious allegations of corruption and political interference plaguing the country’s criminal justice system. Mathale’s testimony provided a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics at the highest levels of the police ministry.

Mathale attributed the lack of delegation to Minister Mchunu’s need to familiarize himself with the complex portfolio. He explained that the minister is still getting to grips with his role, which has resulted in no specific tasks being assigned to either deputy.

Mathale Challenges Minister’s Account on Key Task Team

A central point of Mathale’s testimony involved a direct contradiction of Minister Mchunu’s previous statements about the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). Just two weeks prior, Mchunu had told the same committee that the PKTT had become a financial burden and was never intended to operate beyond 2022.

Mathale firmly dismissed this version of events. He pointed to a 2023 decision by former Police Minister Bheki Cele that explicitly extended the PKTT’s mandate. Mathale insisted the task team has always operated within a legal framework.

He argued that regular expenditure for the unit would only be possible if its existence was lawful. Mathale stated he is not aware of any period where the PKTT was not supposed to exist, directly countering the suspended minister’s claims.

No Ministerial Delegation Hinders Deputy Roles

Elaborating on the working relationship, Mathale described his interactions with Mchunu as positive. However, he confirmed the absence of any formal delegation of responsibilities. He highlighted the immense complexity of the police department as a potential reason for the delay.

The department includes multiple divisions, five units within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), and a civilian secretariat. Mathale suggested that understanding this vast structure is a prerequisite for effective delegation, a process the minister has not yet undertaken.

Clarifying the Disbandment Letter That Sparked an Inquiry

Mathale also provided context for the controversial letter that instructed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to disband the PKTT. This letter ultimately triggered the formation of the very ad hoc committee he was addressing.

He explained that the letter was part of a process following Minister Mchunu’s presentation to the portfolio committee earlier this year. In that meeting, Mchunu announced the PKTT would be disbanded during a transitional period. Mathale clarified that while the national commissioner may deliver such documents, the decision itself rests with the minister as the executive authority.

No Change Under Acting Minister

Democratic Alliance MP Glenys Breytenbach pressed Mathale on whether the situation had changed under the acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia. Mathale’s response indicated the status quo remained unchanged. He confirmed that while they have met and discussed the matter, no delegation of responsibilities has been assigned by the acting minister either.

The ad hoc committee continues its critical work, delving into allegations of corruption, criminal infiltration, and political interference that threaten to undermine South Africa’s justice system. Mathale’s testimony is scheduled to continue, with further insights into the ministry’s internal operations expected. This ongoing investigation highlights the profound challenges facing the nation’s key law enforcement institutions.