Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has made explosive claims before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee, alleging a power struggle within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Sibiya accuses KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of deceiving the nation and using corruption allegations to block his path to becoming the next national police commissioner, succeeding Fannie Masemola.
Sibiya: A Victim of Internal Politics?
Sibiya claims that Mkhwanazi's July media briefing, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Madlanga commission, was not a genuine attempt to expose wrongdoing but rather a calculated move in an internal “battle for power.” He believes the controversy surrounding the removal of 121 dockets from a task team investigating political murders in KwaZulu-Natal is being weaponized to discredit him.
The 121 Dockets: A Political Weapon?
During his testimony, Sibiya reiterated his stance that the issue of the 121 dockets is being used against him. He stated, "Personally, quite honestly speaking, this has nothing to do with the 121 dockets and the disbanded political killing task team. According to me, it’s about the succession battle within the police.”
- Sibiya believes the situation is a “succession battle”
- He claims Mkhwanazi is trying to block him from becoming national commissioner.
- He says the public is being misled.
Sibiya claims that tensions arose after a radio interview where he expressed his willingness to serve as national police commissioner if asked. He alleges that subsequent newspaper headlines framing it as “Sibiya vs Mkhwanazi” further fueled the conflict. He suggests that Mkhwanazi's press conference was a preemptive move to protect himself and Masemola amid reports that Masemola was facing arrest.
The Ad Hoc Committee is continuing its investigation into the matter, and further developments are expected as more witnesses are called to testify. The allegations made by Sibiya raise serious questions about the integrity and leadership within SAPS and the potential for political interference in police operations.