Bishop Maumela Retracts Statements About Ramaphosa and Madlanga Commission After Sibiya Case
- Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela issued a formal retraction withdrawing all allegations he made against President Ramaphosa and the Madlanga Commission
- Maumela had publicly claimed Sibiya's sexual offence case was driven by internal SAPS succession rivalries, comments he now says lacked restraint
- South Africans online have questioned whether the apology is sufficient, with some calling for deeper scrutiny of Maumela's conduct and associations
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Source: UGC
SOUTH AFRICA — Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela has formally retracted public statements he made following court proceedings involving suspended SAPS Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, issuing an unreserved apology to all parties affected by his comments.
The retraction was reported by eNCA journalist Pule Jones on X on 23 September 2026. Maumela's withdrawal covers all allegations directed at President Cyril Ramaphosa, law enforcement agencies, and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Maumela acknowledges lack of restraint
Maumela had previously spoken to several major media outlets following Sibiya's court appearance on sexual offence charges, alleging that the case was rooted in internal police succession rivalries rather than legitimate law enforcement action. Sibiya faces charges of allegedly raping a teenager after forcing her to drink alcohol at a hotel, and is also accused of grooming another minor.
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In his retraction, Maumela acknowledged that a minor was involved in the legal matter and admitted his media engagements had fallen short of the sensitivity and judgement required. He said the decision to step back came after private consultation and personal reflection.
"I unreservedly withdraw the statements I made and sincerely apologise to anyone who may have been affected or offended by my words," Maumela stated. "I did not intend to threaten, harm, or intimidate anyone."
He cited former President Nelson Mandela in his statement, affirming a commitment to constructive public discourse, and said he would no longer comment on the ongoing legal proceedings, allowing the courts to function without interference. Maumela also thanked advisers who guided him towards the decision.
Read the statement on X here:
Public reaction remains sceptical
The apology drew a mixed and largely critical response on social media.
@Princessmashab wrote:
"Too late. Apology not accepted. @SAPoliceService do your investigations. The way he was speaking about retaliation is so unsettling; he might be up to something sinister."
@MightiJamie said:
"He must say it live on TV. In the same way he said those things yesterday."
@yenzo_kuhl commented:
"Commissioners, we must dig deeper into his dealings, that foundation of his, and other businesses he is involved in. He invited us, and we have arrived."
@mekgatla wrote:
"He effectively intimidated the police when he said 'we will retaliate.' In my view, there is therefore no need for him to apologise. He gave several interviews to almost every major news outlet, and he was fully aware of the implications of his statements and the message he was conveying."
@JThundy added:
"It is now fashionable for some men to threaten us. When things heat up to a boiling point, they come up with half-baked apologies."
Sibiya remains a central figure in both criminal proceedings and the Madlanga Commission's investigation into state corruption and police operations.
Cabal allegedly interfering with Sibiya's case
In a related article, Briefly News reported on Sibiya’s court appearance and the State’s allegation that a “cabal” is attempting to interfere with his prosecution. The senior police officer faces charges including rape, trafficking in persons, and sexual grooming of a child.
Voice recordings allegedly capturing efforts to influence the case are expected to be presented during his formal bail hearing. Sibiya will remain in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre until his next court appearance on 29 September 2026.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
