Fannie Masemola suspends deputy Shadrack Sibiya amid KZN task team scandal. Image credit: IOL
(The Post News) – In a significant development, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has suspended his deputy, Shadrack Sibiya, with immediate effect, escalating a two-month-long leave of absence into a full suspension. The move follows serious allegations that Sibiya interfered with investigations into political killings in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Allegations of Undermining Investigations
The suspension is due to allegations made by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged in July that Sibiya had tried to have the KZN political killings task team disbanded and instructed that its dockets be withdrawn. According to the suspension notice, Sibiya faces four charges of misconduct, including defeating or attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
The document claims Sibiya acted “without the knowledge and/or authorisation of the national commissioner,” causing investigations to be “hindered and/or delayed.” These actions, Masemola stated, are a contravention of SAPS discipline regulations and bring the police service into disrepute.
Since July, Sibiya, who has insisted on his innocence, has been on a forced leave of absence while these accusations are being looked into. In the Gauteng High Court, he recently contested this leave, claiming it was illegal. But the court decided against him in a brutal 34-page ruling, acknowledging the “seriousness of the allegations” and claiming the conclusion was warranted.
His legal setback paved the way for Masemola to upgrade the leave to an immediate suspension. Sibiya is now ordered to hand in his appointment certificate, firearm, and other state equipment.
Sibiya’s suspension will remain in effect until a commission of inquiry into political interference in the criminal justice system concludes its work. He has pledged to appear before the commission to present his side of the story, stating, “I look forward to presenting my side. The truth will come out.”
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