The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dismissed widespread social media rumours suggesting that National Deputy Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya is facing imminent arrest. According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, there is no truth to claims that police officers have been dispatched to Sibiya’s Centurion home.
“As you all know there are investigations that are ongoing as publicised and mentioned at the Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission. As SAPS, we are not aware of any person that has been arrested thus far — and that includes Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya,” Mathe said.
Unverified reports had earlier suggested that SAPS members were seen at Sibiya’s residence, sparking speculation of an impending arrest. However, sources close to the senior police official indicated that he was not at his home and is believed to be consulting with his attorney.
The speculation follows startling testimony by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at both the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating alleged irregularities within the police service.
At the Madlanga Commission, Mkhwanazi accused Sibiya of undermining internal investigations and “acting outside the command structure of SAPS” in relation to sensitive intelligence operations. “Some individuals, including senior officers, have taken it upon themselves to interfere with processes meant to restore order in the service. This includes General Sibiya, whose conduct in certain cases raised questions about accountability,” Mkhwanazi testified.
During his appearance before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, Mkhwanazi reiterated his stance, saying: “We cannot have a situation where those tasked with enforcing the law operate with impunity. The allegations involving Lieutenant General Sibiya must be investigated thoroughly and without fear or favour.”
Despite the public fallout between the two senior officers, SAPS management has maintained that all investigations are being handled in line with established procedures. “We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that may compromise the integrity of ongoing processes,” said Mathe.
For now, Sibiya remains suspended in his post as National Deputy Commissioner, as authorities continue to probe the issues raised during the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee proceedings.
