Suspended Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has issued a stern warning to South Africans about what he describes as the dangerous glorification of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Speaking during his final day of testimony before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating police corruption, Sibiya said the unwavering public support and praise Mkhwanazi receives—particularly on social media—could backfire, creating “a monster no one can control.”
He openly criticised Mkhwanazi’s public conduct, referencing a controversial moment when the provincial commissioner held a press conference dressed in combat gear.
He said: “Had I been in Mkhwanazi’s position when he held that press conference in combat gear, I would have been fired on the spot by my superiors.”
The comment highlights what he perceives as a double standard in how top police officials are treated and scrutinised. According to him, no other provincial commissioner would be allowed to engage in such high-profile, politically charged actions without facing immediate disciplinary consequences.
Sibiya Accuses Mkhwanazi of Building a Dangerous Public Persona
Sibiya also accused Mkhwanazi of actively cultivating a powerful public image, largely through platforms like TikTok. He said that unlike other provincial commissioners who keep a low profile, Mkhwanazi uses social media to campaign for public support, making it difficult for anyone to hold him accountable.
“No provincial commissioner you will see on TikTok. He’s the only one that campaigns and is funded on TikTok. And this wins over South Africans — you touch Mkhwanazi, you touch us,” Sibiya told Members of Parliament (MPs). “But he’s a policeman. I’m just saying there are a lot of things that are wrong that we are supporting as a country, and we are creating a monster that no one is able to control.”
This latest outburst is not an isolated incident. The relationship between Sibiya and Mkhwanazi has been strained for years. During his two-day testimony, Sibiya made it clear that “there’s no love lost” between them.
He dismissed several of Mkhwanazi’s allegations, including claims that Sibiya was behind the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and that he interfered with operations against criminal syndicates in Gauteng.
He firmly denied these accusations, portraying himself as a scapegoat in a politically charged environment.
Throughout his testimony, Sibiya returned to one central point: accountability. He argued that the unquestioning hero worship of police figures undermines the rule of law and democratic oversight.
“People are praising him because he looks strong and talks tough, but no one is asking the right questions,” Sibiya said. “No other provincial commissioner could act this way without consequences. This is dangerous for the country.”
Analysts have also noted that Mkhwanazi’s public image has grown rapidly in recent months, with many South Africans applauding his tough stance on crime. But Sibiya’s comments reveal growing discomfort within law enforcement about the politicisation of policing and the power of social media in shaping narratives.
Sibiya’s remarks have already begun circulating on various social media platforms, sparking debate among South Africans. Some users agree with his assessment, arguing that no public official should be placed above scrutiny, no matter how popular they are. Others accuse Sibiya of jealousy and political maneuvering, pointing to his own suspension as a possible motive for his sharp criticism.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Sibiya has a point. We can’t let popularity decide who is accountable and who isn’t.” Another fired back, “Sibiya is bitter. Mkhwanazi is doing the job others couldn’t.”
After concluding his testimony before Parliament on Tuesday night, Sibiya will now prepare for another critical appearance before the Madlanga Commission, where he will once again face allegations related to police corruption and operational interference.
The Madlanga Commission has become a central platform for investigating deep-rooted issues within South Africa’s policing structures, and Sibiya’s testimony is expected to be closely scrutinised.
The heated exchange between Sibiya and Mkhwanazi underscores broader tensions within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Analysts say the institution is grappling with internal power struggles, public trust issues, and the growing impact of social media on policing narratives.
The debate over whether Mkhwanazi’s popularity makes him more effective or less accountable reflects a much larger challenge: how to balance strong leadership with democratic checks and balances.
As he prepares for his next legal and parliamentary battles, his warning to South Africans is clear — unchecked popularity in law enforcement can be dangerous.
While many view Mkhwanazi as a hero for his hardline approach to crime,he insists that such unchecked hero worship could weaken institutional accountability. His comments have reignited a national conversation about transparency, leadership, and the balance between public support and the rule of law.
Source- EWN
