Deputy police commissioner for crime detection Gen Shadrack Sibiya says he welcomes an investigation by the judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of criminals infiltrating the police and not “any other kangaroo court”.
Speaking to Sowetan, Sibiya said he was meeting with his lawyers to get legal advice on the letter he received from the national commissioner, Fannie Masemola. According to Sibiya, the letter is asking him to “stay at home” while Masemola investigates allegations made against him by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
At a media briefing on July 6, Mkhwanazi accused Sibiya of being in cahoots with Mchunu in closing down the political killings task team in a bid to protect politicians and murderers.
“My letter doesn't say that I am put on leave of absence, it just says that the investigation is being conducted as per Gen Mkhwanazi's allegations during his press briefing,” said Sibiya.
“I don't know if they call that leave of absence. But safe to say I welcome the investigation by the commission [and] not any other kangaroo investigation [and] I welcome the investigation as pronounced by the president [Cyril Ramaphosa]”.
My letter doesn't say that I am put on leave of absence, it just says that the investigation is being conducted as per Gen Mkhwanazi's allegations during his press briefing.
— Gen Shadrack Sibiya
Masemola’s decision comes shortly after Ramaphosa placed police minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence with immediate effect.
Ramaphosa has since established a judicial commission of inquiry to probe allegations relating to criminals infiltrating law enforcement, intelligence agencies, the judiciary and associated institutions within the criminal justice system.
Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu had ties with people outside the police force, including controversial businessman Cat Matlala and his associate Brown Mogotsi, who influenced his decisions.
Matlala is behind bars over charges related to a 2023 shooting of actress Teboho Thobejane and her friend, who was left with a serious spinal injury.
Mkhwanazi further alleged that a police investigation by the political killings task team unmasked a syndicate controlled by a drug cartel, which involves politicians, the police, metro police and correctional services, prosecutors and the judiciary, as well as business people.
Sibiya told Sowetan that it was important that the commission be respected and supported by all.
“It [the commission] will give everyone a clear picture of what is going on and a clear perspective and also the opportunity to clear their names. So, I welcome an investigation that will be led by a judge. Any other investigation is illegal.”
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