SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Tebello Mosikili Slams ‘Haphazard’ Disbanding of Political Killings Task Team, Citing Leadership Sidelining

SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Tebello Mosikili tells Parliament she was sidelined during the haphazard disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 7:10 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Independent Online (IOL)

Testimony Before the Ad Hoc Committee

In a high-stakes appearance before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of police corruption and political interference, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili provided a scathing critique of the South African Police Service (SAPS) leadership dynamics. Mosikili’s testimony focused on the controversial New Year's Eve 2024 directive issued by Minister Senzo Mchunu currently on special leave to disband the KwaZulu-Natal-based Political Killings Task Team. She described the process as "haphazard" and one that left the senior command structure in a state of "deep confusion."

Sidelined and Caught Off Guard

Mosikili emphasized her seniority within the SAPS, noting that she was responsible for policing and had stepped in as Acting National Commissioner during several critical windows, including the period when the directive was signed. Despite her rank, she told the committee that she was never consulted. "The news caught me completely off guard," Mosikili testified, alleging that the directive had been leaked to the media before she or other relevant senior officers were formally briefed. She further alleged that fellow Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya sidelined her regarding the implementation of the dissolution.

Institutional Impact and Procedural Lapses

The Deputy National Commissioner’s evidence aligns with previous testimony from other senior officials, including Acting Deputy National Commissioner Hilda Senthumule, who labeled the move "business unusual." Mosikili argued that disbanding a specialized unit dealing with sensitive political assassinations requires a structured transition to prevent operational breakdowns. The timing of the directive issued while National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola was on leave has been a focal point of the inquiry, with critics suggesting it was designed to bypass traditional oversight.