WATCH | Cachalia testifies as claims of crime syndicate infiltrating police intensify | SAPS Inquiry
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia testifies in parliament on the PKTT disbandment and criminal syndicate infiltration of the police
Image: Oupa Mokoena
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia is testifying before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of police corruption and the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
The hearings, which began on October 7, have revealed troubling allegations that a sophisticated crime syndicate is deeply entrenched within South Africa’s law enforcement and intelligence structures.
The PKTT was established to address politically motivated murders, a critical issue that has long plagued the country’s democratic fabric.
However, the unit was abruptly disbanded on December 31, 2024, by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu - a move that ignited concern and suspicion among several key figures, including Kwazulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
General Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations of infiltration by a crime syndicate known as the “Big Five” partly triggered the formation of the 11-member Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee.
He warned the committee that dismantling the PKTT severely undermines ongoing investigations into politically motivated killings, including murders linked to prominent figures within the syndicate.
During his testimony, Mkhwanazi detailed purported connections between high-profile individuals and suspects such as Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a notorious alleged drug lord.
His disclosures underscored the potential for interference in sensitive investigations that could be caused by the disbandment of the PKTT.
Cachalia’s two deputies, Cassel Mathale and Dr Paulina Boshielo, previously testified before the committee, asserting that Mchunu never communicated with them about the move nor delegated any responsibility to them, which raised red flags about transparency and accountability within the Police Ministry.
Cachalia’s appearance is critical as Parliament seeks clarity on whether the suspension of the PKTT was a strategic misstep or a deliberate effort to shield influential figures from prosecution.
The Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Soviet Lekganyane, continues to hear testimonies this week.
Advocate Andrea Johnson, head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, is scheduled to appear on Thursday and Friday to provide further insight into systemic corruption within law enforcement.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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