Court Upholds Deputy Police Commissioner Sibiya’s Forced Leave Amid Political Killings Scandal

The Pretoria High Court has dismissed an urgent application by Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, upholding his forced leave amid explosive allegations of interference in political killings investigations.

The ruling, handed down this week, marks a significant victory for National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who placed Sibiya on forced leave in July. The court found the decision to be both lawful and justified, deepening what has become a leadership crisis within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Court Rules Against Sibiya’s Appeal

Sibiya’s legal team had argued that the suspension was unlawful, unfair, and damaging to his reputation, insisting that proper procedures were not followed and that the action was punitive rather than precautionary.

However, the court disagreed, ruling that:

• The forced leave was justified given the seriousness of the allegations.
• The action was precautionary, not punitive.
• Investigative integrity required Sibiya’s removal from active duty.
• Commissioner Masemola had followed proper procedures.

Allegations of Interference in Political Killings

The forced leave stems from damning allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Sibiya of directly interfering in sensitive investigations.

Key accusations against Sibiya include:

• Disbanding a specialized task team investigating political murders.
• Interfering with ongoing probes into politically motivated killings.
• Compromising investigative integrity in high-profile cases.
• Undermining the operational effectiveness of specialized SAPS units.

Mkhwanazi’s allegations are particularly serious given KwaZulu-Natal’s history of political violence and the crucial role of specialized task teams in solving such cases.

Internal Investigation Continues

The High Court’s ruling clears the way for the ongoing internal probe into Sibiya’s conduct, which will continue without interference. The investigation is examining:

• Alleged investigative interference.
• Claims that Sibiya disbanded a political killings task team.
• The broader impact of his actions on justice delivery.
• Concerns over the operational integrity of SAPS leadership.

READ: Political Killings Task Team Collapsed Due to Resource Gaps, Says Masemola

SAPS Leadership Crisis Widens

The judgment is the latest twist in a deepening factional battle within SAPS leadership, exposing cracks at the highest levels of the police service.

Key players in the SAPS leadership turmoil:

• Fannie Masemola – National Police Commissioner, who enforced the forced leave.
• Shadrack Sibiya – Deputy Commissioner, sidelined amid allegations.
• Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi – KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, whistleblower behind the allegations.
• Senzo Mchunu – Current Police Minister, overseeing SAPS during the turmoil.
• Bheki Cele – Former Police Minister, still seen as wielding influence behind the scenes.

With internal divisions laid bare, the ruling not only places Sibiya’s career in jeopardy but also raises broader questions about political accountability, police integrity, and the ability of SAPS to handle politically sensitive investigations without interference.