Mary de Haas exposes Bheki Cele: Shocking alleged political killings cover-up in SA Parliament
Dr Mary de Haas testifies at the Parliamentary ad hoc committee inquiry into alleged corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system. Image Credit: Gallo Images
Cape Town witnessed a heated parliamentary session as human rights activist and violence monitor Mary de Haas took the stand before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system. Mary de Haas, known for her decades-long research on political violence, has drawn national attention for her outspoken calls to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
Her testimony coincides with scrutiny over former police minister Bheki Cele and suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, making her a key witness in unfolding discussions about political interference and accountability in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mary de Haas’ Testimony: Alleged Interference in PKTT Operations
De Mary de Haas revealed that operational matters within the PKTT were allegedly influenced by Bheki Cele during his tenure as police minister, which began in 2018. She cited reports of suspects being pressured and abused to force statements, raising concerns about procedural integrity.
She highlighted the 2017 murder case of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa, stating that intelligence reports were routed to Cele instead of the national commissioner. De Haas expressed frustration that, despite raising these concerns in Parliament, no remedial action was taken at the time.
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Calls to Disband the Political Killings Task Team
Mary de Haas has consistently advocated for the disbandment of the PKTT, describing the team’s activities as politically compromised and prone to interference. According to her, the team’s operations undermined justice and fueled public distrust in law enforcement.
Her position gained attention after the committee scrutinized directives issued by Senzo Mchunu, with De Haas reportedly influencing policy discussions on whether the PKTT should continue its work under the existing leadership.
Conflict with Former Ministers: Bheki Cele and Senzo Mchunu
During her testimony, De Haas accused Bheki Cele of interfering in investigations, contradicting claims by the PKTT head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, who testified before the Madlanga Commission that Cele never issued operational instructions.
Cele himself had argued against Mchunu’s directive to disband the PKTT, citing procedural grounds and suggesting that decisions should go through the inter-ministerial committee under the president. This conflict underscores tensions between parliamentary oversight, ministerial authority, and activist interventions.
Impact and Public Response
De Haas’ testimony has reignited public debate over political killings in KwaZulu-Natal and the accountability of security agencies in South Africa. Her work continues to influence policymaking and civil society advocacy, highlighting systemic issues in handling politically motivated crimes.
Observers note that her interventions in both Parliament and media coverage have brought renewed attention to political violence, the role of task teams, and the need for transparent investigative processes in sensitive criminal matters.
FAQ – Mary de Haas and PKTT
1. Who is Mary de Haas?
Mary de Haas is a South African human rights activist and violence monitor, known for her research on political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
2. What is the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT)?
The PKTT is a specialized police unit established to investigate politically motivated killings in South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
3. Why did Mary de Haas testify in Parliament?
She testified to provide evidence on alleged interference in PKTT operations and corruption in the criminal justice system.
4. What allegations did she make against Bheki Cele?
De Haas claimed Cele interfered in PKTT investigations and received intelligence reports that bypassed proper channels.
5. Was Senzo Mchunu involved in the PKTT controversy?
Yes, Senzo Mchunu issued a directive to disband the PKTT, which was a central point of parliamentary scrutiny.
6. Did the Madlanga Commission support De Haas’ claims?
Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, head of the PKTT, stated Cele did not interfere, highlighting conflicting accounts between official testimony and activist reports.
7. Has De Haas’ testimony influenced policy or public debate?
Yes, her testimony has reignited national discussions about political killings, police accountability, and justice in KwaZulu-Natal.
8. What cases did she cite during her testimony?
She referenced the 2017 murder of ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa as an example of alleged task team misconduct.
9. What is De Haas’ position on the PKTT?
She has called for its disbandment, citing political interference and procedural irregularities.
10. How can the public follow updates on the PKTT investigation?
Updates are shared through Parliamentary proceedings and other South African news outlets covering political violence.
