NPA's Elaine Harrison says disbanding Political Killings Task Team was 'counterproductive'

KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions, Elaine Harrison, has concluded her testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria.

During her time on the stand, Harrison testified at length about Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's instruction to disband the provincial Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). 

She told the inquiry that she believes the disbandment was counterproductive, as the unit had been making progress in finalising cases.

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KZN NPA head Elaine Harrison testified that she had assigned a team of prosecutors to work alongside the PKTT to ensure investigations were prosecution-guided.

She said once her prosecutors became involved, there was visible progress in finalising politically motivated cases.

Harrison added that although she was never formally informed about the unit’s disbandment, she would have opposed the decision to dissolve the task team. 

"The PKTT showed that it was working. It was very evident that the team was working well, and to disestablish it would be counterproductive and also disruptive."

The commission returns on Monday, with crime intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo set to testify.