Judicial Commission to Investigate Political Interference in SAPS
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| Lieutenant-General Shadrach Sibiya 📷SAPS |
South African Police Service (SAPS) top official Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has been placed on a leave of absence following a dramatic turn of events sparked by serious accusations of misconduct. The move, confirmed by the office of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, comes amid growing tensions within the upper ranks of law enforcement.
While the decision stops short of a formal suspension, Sibiya was instructed to temporarily vacate his duties as a precautionary step while internal processes unfold. The instruction was issued through Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili on Tuesday.
Allegations of Interference
The call for Sibiya to step aside follows recent, highly publicized claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. In a televised media briefing earlier this month, Mkhwanazi accused Sibiya of disrupting critical investigations into politically linked killings in the province.
According to Mkhwanazi, Sibiya played a central role in disbanding a specialized task team tasked with probing politically motivated murders allegedly under directives from senior political leadership. He further alleged that the disbandment compromised efforts to dismantle criminal networks with potential political protection.
Mkhwanazi did not mince words during his address, referring to Sibiya as a "criminal in uniform" and questioning the motives behind what he termed "calculated interference" with justice.
Sibiya Denies Wrongdoing
In response, Lieutenant-General Sibiya has denied all allegations leveled against him, labeling the statements as unfounded and defamatory. He accused Mkhwanazi of acting irresponsibly and dangerously by airing such grievances in the public domain rather than through formal channels.
“This is nothing more than character assassination,” Sibiya reportedly said in a statement released through his legal representatives. He maintains that all decisions related to the task team restructuring were made in consultation with SAPS leadership and in line with operational needs not political interference.
Political Fallout and National Concern
The controversy has sent shockwaves through both policing structures and political circles. In response to the growing uproar, President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave, pending the outcome of an independent inquiry.
To address the matter, the Presidency announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to be chaired by legal scholar Professor Firoz Cachalia. The commission will investigate the extent of political influence over police operations, including the circumstances surrounding the restructuring of task teams involved in politically sensitive investigations.
Public Reaction and Calls for Transparency
The situation has drawn widespread attention, with civil society groups and opposition parties demanding swift action. Members of Parliament have called for further transparency, with some suggesting that the unfolding drama may expose deeper systemic issues within the criminal justice system.
DA MP Ian Cameron criticized the apparent politicization of the police, stating, “This is not just a crisis of personalities this is about institutional integrity. We must restore public confidence in law enforcement.”
What Happens Next?
Lieutenant-General Sibiya’s future remains uncertain as the SAPS conducts its internal review. Meanwhile, the newly formed commission will begin its inquiry in the coming weeks, with observers closely watching whether it leads to criminal charges, institutional reform, or political consequences.
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