South African Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, has been asked to take a leave of absence, according to sources. The instruction was delivered during a meeting with fellow deputy, Tebello Mosikili, on this afternoon, as directed by National Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
The development follows serious allegations made two weeks ago by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He claimed Sibiya, alongside Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, colluded to disband a specialised task team investigating politically motivated killings in KwaZulu-Natal. Mkhwanazi alleged this was a calculated move to shield a criminal syndicate, with over 120 case files stalled as a result.
Sibiya has strongly denied the accusations, calling them baseless and suggesting Mkhwanazi’s claims stem from tensions over the arrest of Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo, a close ally of Mkhwanazi. The allegations have prompted significant public and political attention, with President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announcing a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate Mkhwanazi’s claims against senior police and government officials.
This is a developing story, with further updates expected as the inquiry progresses.
