Police are asking the public for help in identifying men caught on camera robbing an elderly person of cash and a cellphone outside a Bloemfontein shopping centre.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bloemfontein Police at 051 411 7000 or Crime Stop anonymously at 08600 10111.
On this day in 2024, Senzo Mchunu issued a directive to disband the PKTT
On this day in 2024, South Africa was jolted by a controversial directive issued on New Year’s Eve by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, ordering the immediate disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
The instruction, delivered in a letter dated 31 December 2024 to National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, called for the shutdown of the KwaZulu-Natal-based unit tasked with probing politically motivated murders.
Issued while the country was on holiday, the move raised immediate alarm among security experts and political leaders.
Mchunu later defended the decision, arguing that the PKTT, established in 2018, was a temporary structure whose mandate had lapsed.
He cited budget constraints and a 2019 work study recommending that its functions be absorbed into the SAPS Murder and Robbery Unit.
He maintained that the team had not been formally reviewed since 2022.
However, the directive sparked fierce resistance within the police service. General Masemola said he was on leave at the time and unaware of the minister’s plans, describing the order as unlawful and an intrusion into operational matters. He subsequently sought intervention from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
More serious claims emerged from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that the disbandment was aimed at derailing investigations into a powerful criminal syndicate with political ties. He said the PKTT was closing in on key suspects when it was abruptly shut down.
The move also drew criticism from senior political figures, including former Police Minister Bheki Cele, who said proper consultation had been ignored.
A year later, the fallout from the New Year’s Eve decision continues. Mchunu remains on special leave, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is probing the matter, and the PKTT reportedly continues operating amid uncertainty.
The episode has become a defining moment in debates over political interference, police independence and the fight against politically linked crime in South Africa.
UPDATE | SHE IS HOME AND SAFE
By Mashamba Media
Connecting People
Palesa Nkuna (25) from Moletlane, Limpopo, who stays at Skirilek, Pretoria, has returned home safely.
According to information received, Palesa cannot recall what happened to her. She was found on the road in Nellmapius Extention 1, Pretoria. She was unconscious at the time her picture was taken.
She lost her cellphone and has indicated that she will visit the clinic tomorrow for a medical check-up.
This mf is ruthless
Another season, Arteta and Arsenal fans are feeling what Klopp and Liverpool felt
Pep Guardiola is undeniably the greatest coach of his generation
@samkelemaseko@Khu_Ntshavheni You're lying the vendors are back in town business as usually, which johannesburg are you talking about, your propaganda is not make sure
@MDNnewss He is right, the anc led government they're making it difficult for people, how can they take sides, if they want to be Middle man be natural, now even minister of home affairs he even revoked Palestinians visas, for them hamas it's a business, only fools fall for this trap