Shadrack Sibiya Continues in Bid To Be Reinstated, South Africans Not Impressed
- The South African Police Service's deputy national commissioner, General Shadrack Sibiya, continues to fight for his job
- This was after he was placed on leave pending an investigation into allegations KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made against him
- South Africans slammed him and accused him of trying to cover his tracks after the Political Killings Task Team received the 121 dockets he took from it
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With 10 years’ experience, Tebogo Mokwena, a current affairs writer for Briefly News, provided insights into the criminal justice system, crime statistics, commissions of inquiry, and high-profile cases in South Africa at Daily Sun.
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JOHANNESBURG — The Deputy National Commissioner of the South African Police (SAPS), Shadrack Sibiya, who was placed on leave after he was accused of political interference, continues to fight for his reinstatement. He filed an extra affidavit on 1 September 2025 to boost his bid to be reinstated.
According to eNCA, Sibiya's decision followed National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola's decision to return the 121 dockets that were removed from the Political Killings Task Team in March 2025. Sibiya had previously denied that he was behind the disbandment of the unit. However, Masemola laid the blame on the feet of Sibiya.
What did the affidavit contain?
Sibiya reportedly argued that Masemola's decision to return the documents constituted interference with the work of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He argued that Masemola's actions should be set aside until the commission has concluded its inquiry. The Pretoria High Court is expected to hear the matter in September.
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What happened to the Political Killings Task Team?
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held a press briefing on 6 July 2025 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. He boldly accused Sibiya of colluding with Senzo Mchunu, who was also placed on leave, to disband the Task Team.
Mkhwanazi alleged that Sibiya ordered the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team in December 2024 at the behest of businessman Brown Mogotsi. He also accused Mchunu of having ties to the attempted murder accused and tenderpreneur Cat Matlala.
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Mchunu and Sibiya denied the allegations and accused Mkhwanazi of being unprofessional. Nevertheless, President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Mchunu and established the Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations. Sibiya was shortly placed on leave pending the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry's investigation.+++
South Africans discuss Sibiya
Netizens commenting on Facebook shared their views on Sibiya's fight.
Maphuthi Seruthe Raseruthe said:
"Sibiya thinks Mkhwanazi is joking."
Celimpilo Zungu said:
"If you need real drama, come to South Africa."
Keamo Botman said:
"After hearing that the files were handed over to Mkhwanzi, he could not sleep."
Mosala Baas said:
"Mkhwanazi and Masemola are giving this man sleepless nights."
Ntutu Sera said:
"The speed at which he is working to save his life and career was the one needed for those 121 dockets. He's got the guts, shem."
Louise Jute said:
"He's desperate to lay his hands on the 121 dockets."
Former top cop defends Masemola
In a related article, Briefly News reported that the former Western Cape Police Commissioner, Dr Lennit Max, defended Masemola's decision to return the 121 dockets to the Political Killings Task Team. This, as Masemola faced criticism from President Cyril Ramaphosa and police minister Firoz Cachalia.
Max said that Masemola's decision to return the dockets would not interfere with the work of the Commission of Inquiry. He said that it was his duty to ensure that police dockets are investigated.
Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi suspends SAPS officers for misusing van for Matric Farewell
Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi suspended police officers who accompanied a high school learner to a matric farewell with a police escort in Estcourt.
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster shared a statement on its @CrimeWatch_RSA X account. A video of the incident was attached to the statement. In the video, an armed member of the police force steps outside of a police van at a matric farewell. Moments later, a learner is seen walking on a red carpet.
Mkhwanazi instructed the officers to be removed from duty temporarily and initiated an internal disciplinary process. He confirmed that the officers were accompanying the child of a colleague and slammed them. Mkhwanazi accused them of neglecting their primary responsibilities.
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Source: Briefly News
