Courts & Legal
Sibiya exposes deep SAPS faction battles during Madlanga Commission testimony
There was no ambiguity in his words. Suspended SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that the South African Police Service is grappling with internal conflict.
“We are at war,” he said under questioning. “There are factions. There are conflicts in the police that led to the situation where we are.”
A leadership clash in the spotlight
Much of Tuesday’s testimony centred on Sibiya’s relationship with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Sibiya denied that he showed hostility towards Mkhwanazi. He also disputed claims made during a July 2025 media briefing that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had called for a meeting to broker peace between the two senior officers. According to Sibiya, it was Mkhwanazi who requested that meeting.
He pointed to what he described as mixed signals. Shortly after the proposed meeting, Mkhwanazi invited him in writing to attend the police excellence awards.
“There was not really a conflict,” Sibiya told the commission. He said he had tried repeatedly to mend relations, even sending Sergeant Fannie Nkosi to KwaZulu-Natal to engage with Mkhwanazi directly.
The Nkosi controversy
Sergeant Fannie Nkosi has become central to this inquiry. Nkosi previously testified that Sibiya asked him to act as a go-between linking Sibiya to alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Sibiya firmly denied that version of events. He maintained that he sent Nkosi to Mkhwanazi purely because the two men were close and shared an interest in biking.
The commission’s questioning focused extensively on WhatsApp chats involving Nkosi and other parties.
Suspension, seized devices, and claims of imbalance
Sibiya said that after Mkhwanazi’s media briefing last year, his electronic devices were confiscated during a raid at his Centurion home in October. He was subsequently suspended and denied access to his materials.
He expressed frustration that his testimony could not draw on information stored on those devices.
He also criticised the Political Task Killings Team led by Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, alleging that once devices are seized, their contents can be used against the individual concerned.
At one point, Sibiya said he felt “helpless and pushed in a corner.” He argued that the playing field was uneven, saying Mkhwanazi remained in office with access to experts while he was effectively sidelined.
He also accused evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim SC of defending Mkhwanazi, describing her as a “vicious advocate.”
What the commission says
Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga clarified that proceedings are unfolding in phases. The inquiry first heard testimony about allegations of criminality and corruption. It is now in a second phase, where those implicated are given the opportunity to respond and be questioned. A third phase will see accusers recalled for cross-examination.
Sibiya told the commission that he has two years left before retirement and does not want to spend that time embroiled in battles.
His testimony was adjourned and will resume at a date to be announced by the commission.
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Source: IOL
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