No duties, no direction: What Mathale’s Parliament testimony reveals about Mchunu’s leadership
Power Vacuum: No Delegation of Duties in SA Police Ministry, Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale Testifies
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Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale has revealed that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has not delegated any duties to him or to fellow Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo since their appointments to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet in June last year.
Testifying before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system, Mathale explained that Mchunu had yet to delegate responsibilities because the minister was still familiarising himself with the office.
“The minister is still getting to grips with his role, and no tasks have been assigned to me or Deputy Minister Boshielo,” Mathale told the committee.
The committee also examined conflicting statements about the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
Mchunu, in his testimony two weeks ago, alleged the PKTT had become a costly burden on the South African Police Service (SAPS). He also stated that the unit was not supposed to exist beyond 2022.
Mathale strongly disputed these claims. Referring to comments made by former Police Minister Bheki Cele, who extended the PKTT’s mandate in 2023, Mathale said the team’s existence had been legal and continuous.
“When it comes to regular expenditure for the PKTT, such costs can only arise if the unit operates legally. If its existence were illegal, any expenditure would also be illegal,” Mathale argued.
“At no stage did the PKTT operate outside any legal framework, and I am not aware of any time when it was not supposed to exist.”
When asked whether he and Mchunu worked well together, Mathale responded affirmatively but stressed that no specific duties had been delegated to him.
“Basically, the police department is complex, consisting of several divisions—five units within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in South Africa (DPCI), a civilian secretariat, and other entities. You cannot simply walk in and immediately know who does what,” Mathale said.
“When you delegate tasks, you delegate with an understanding of the ministry. The minister has not delegated responsibilities to me.”
Regarding the value of retaining multiple deputy ministers in the police ministry, Mathale acknowledged the department's size and complexity.
“Yes, there is a need and necessity for deputy ministers in this department. It’s not like other ministries; SAPS has multiple entities that function almost as departments within the department.
“Effective oversight requires additional leadership,” he explained. “That said, delays in ministerial appointments do not mean the department can function without a minister.”
Mathale also addressed how the letter instructing National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to disband the PKTT was drafted and communicated.
“In the meeting earlier this year, the minister presented to the portfolio committee that the PKTT was to be disbanded during a transitional period,” Mathale said.
“Although the national commissioner may physically present documents, it is the minister’s decision as the executive authority. The letter was part of this process.”
He added that without that letter, the ad hoc committee would not have been convened.
Pressed by Democratic Alliance MP Glenys Breytenbach if acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia had delegated any responsibilities to him, Mathale said, “We have met and spoken about it, but no delegation has been assigned.”
When asked what steps he would take to improve policing if he were a minister, Mathale emphasised the importance of collaboration.
“Working together with the national commissioner and having regular meetings would make things easier. We have huge responsibilities, and consistent communication is essential.”
The ad hoc committee continues to probe allegations of corruption, criminal infiltration, and political interference undermining South Africa’s justice system, with Mathale’s testimony continuing until Wednesday
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