Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, has been placed on a leave of absence following serious and ongoing allegations of misconduct. The instruction reportedly came directly from National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who directed Sibiya to remain at home on leave while investigations continue into accusations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi[1][7]. Sibiya has publicly accepted this decision, stating that he supports any choice made for the betterment of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The controversy emerged after Mkhwanazi accused Sibiya of conspiring with an information peddler and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to dismantle the KwaZulu-Natal political killings task team. Mkhwanazi claimed that the disbandment happened just as the unit was zeroing in on a criminal syndicate involving top police, prosecutors, and politicians[1][3][5][8]. Sibiya has strongly denied all accusations, calling them baseless and stating that he had no involvement in ending the task team’s investigations or collaborating with the minister regarding this matter. He has challenged Mkhwanazi to provide evidence supporting any of the claims and criticized the public airing of unsubstantiated allegations[3][4].
The allegations and the fallout have been significant at the national level. President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and announced a judicial commission of inquiry into the matter. The commission will investigate the conduct of current and former officials alleged to have aided or abetted criminal activity, covered up credible intelligence, or derived benefit from syndicate operations. The probe extends across multiple state and law enforcement agencies, including the National Prosecuting Authority and State Security Agency[5]. The Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa have welcomed the president’s decisive intervention, stating the move is necessary even as the investigation continues[8].
Sibiya maintains that the allegations are retaliatory, linked to recent arrests overseen by his office, and insists he has pushed for the prosecution of high-profile cases such as the killing of artist AKA. He has called for the results of the investigation to be made public and for discipline within the police leadership during the inquiry[4].
References
- [1] Police’s Sibiya asked to take a leave of absence – EWN
- [3] ‘Criminal’ Shadrack Sibiya hits back at ‘warlord’ Mkhwanazi
- [4] Lt Gen Sibiya reacts to Mkhwanazi corruption allegations
- [5] South African president suspends police minister and launches probe
- [7] Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya placed on leave amid rising …
- [8] Suspension of South Africa’s Police Minister Linked to Criminal …