Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has formally requested written responses from President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the establishment and disbandment of the now-defunct Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
The committee is seeking clarity on how the specialised unit was created, the scope of its mandate, and the circumstances surrounding its dissolution.
Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said the inquiry stems from the President’s earlier announcement that the task team would be formed to address a surge in politically motivated violence and assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Remember, the President announced that a PKTT or a task team was going to be formed in response to the schedule of violence and political killings that were happening in the province,” Lekganyane said.
“So, it will be important to understand how the task team came into existence, what its mandate was from the Office of the President, and how it was eventually disbanded.”
However, the committee’s decision not to summon Ramaphosa to testify in person has drawn criticism from some legal experts, who argue it may undermine transparency.
Legal analyst Elton Hart warned that relying solely on written submissions could create the perception that Parliament is shielding the President.
“The perception it will create is that Parliament is protecting the President. Yes, he might be citizen number one, but he must be treated the same as every other ordinary South African,” Hart said.
Hart added that written responses may carry less legal weight, as MPs would not have the opportunity to question or cross-examine the President directly.
“A lot of the information he would share may be based on briefings he received rather than personal involvement. That could amount to hearsay,” he said.
He also cautioned that excusing the President from appearing in person may set an uncomfortable precedent for other witnesses who have already been subpoenaed.
The committee is continuing its investigation into the allegations and is expected to review the President’s responses once received.