JOHANNESBURG – Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, South Africa’s Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, has been placed on a leave of absence following serious allegations that have shaken the South African Police Service (SAPS). Eyewitness News (EWN) has learned that this development stems from an internal meeting held on Tuesday afternoon, during which Deputy Commissioner Tebello Mosikili requested Sibiya to remain at home while investigations are ongoing.
The directive for Shadrack Sibiya to step aside temporarily was issued by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who instructed Mosikili to handle the communication with Sibiya. This follows a string of bombshell accusations made by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which have now led to intensified scrutiny within the top ranks of SAPS.
The suspension-like leave of Shadrack Sibiya is directly linked to allegations made by Commissioner Mkhwanazi two weeks ago. Among other things, Mkhwanazi accused Sibiya of colluding with North West-based information peddler Brown Mogotsi and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in an attempt to dismantle the KZN political killings task team.
This task team has been central to investigating politically motivated assassinations in the province—one of South Africa’s most volatile political landscapes. According to Mkhwanazi, the actions of Shadrack Sibiya undermined critical investigations and compromised the integrity of SAPS operations in KwaZulu-Natal.
In response to these explosive allegations, Sibiya has firmly denied any wrongdoing. He has publicly called the claims “baseless lies,” suggesting that Mkhwanazi is retaliating after the arrest of Dumisani Khumalo, a senior Crime Intelligence official and one of Mkhwanazi’s reported close allies.
Shadrack Sibiya Responds to the Decision
Speaking exclusively to Eyewitness News, Shadrack Sibiya said he accepts the decision to step aside while investigations continue. He emphasized his commitment to upholding the reputation and integrity of the South African Police Service.
“As for now, I’ve been asked to say, ‘we are not suspending you, but because there are investigations ongoing, we suggest that you stay at home’. And this is what I’ve accepted as well, and I am happy to do so,” said Sibiya.
He added that his willingness to comply is motivated by a desire to support the betterment of SAPS and maintain public confidence in the organization. His cooperation may be seen as a strategic move to demonstrate transparency and avoid further internal disruption.
This incident places further pressure on the leadership of SAPS, which has faced ongoing scrutiny over issues ranging from corruption to political interference. The allegations involving Shadrack Sibiya, a high-ranking national figure, expose deeper fractures within the police service.
The internal dynamics are particularly complex due to the involvement of key political figures, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was named in Mkhwanazi’s claims. While Mchunu has yet to comment publicly, the ramifications of this dispute may extend beyond the SAPS and into the political arena.
Analysts observing the unfolding situation suggest that the feud between Sibiya and Mkhwanazi may have political undertones. The alleged effort to disband the KZN political killings task team could be interpreted as an attempt to disrupt investigations into politically sensitive matters—possibly implicating individuals with influence or connections to power structures.
For Shadrack Sibiya, who has previously led high-profile investigations and held senior roles in the Hawks and other crime intelligence units, this episode marks a significant test of his professional reputation.
As it stands, Shadrack Sibiya remains on a leave of absence. SAPS has not formally suspended him, and no charges have been laid. However, the internal investigation is ongoing, and its findings will be critical in determining his future within the organization.
It remains to be seen whether Mkhwanazi’s allegations will be substantiated or dismissed. Regardless of the outcome, the incident underscores the high-stakes nature of policing in South Africa, where operational and political interests frequently collide.
The situation involving Shadrack Sibiya highlights both the internal conflicts and broader challenges within SAPS leadership. As the investigation continues, public attention will remain focused on the outcome and the implications it may have for law enforcement accountability in South Africa.
This unfolding story is a reminder of the complex intersections between policing, politics, and public trust—and why transparency and due process remain essential pillars in addressing serious allegations such as those now faced by Shadrack Sibiya.
Source- EWN
