Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee yesterday to respond to allegations of misconduct and corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).The hearing, closely watched by the media and public, focused on claims of political interference and alleged links to criminal networks operating within the police.
Denies Links to Criminal Syndicates
Sibiya firmly denied any involvement with the so-called “Big Five Cartel,” a purported criminal syndicate allegedly operating within SAPS.
“These allegations are unfounded and misleading. If such a network truly existed, arrests would have already been made. I have no involvement in any criminal activities,” he told the committee."
Defends Task Team Restructuring
A major focus was the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), which investigates politically motivated murders. Sibiya explained the decision as a strategic move to improve efficiency:
“The task team covered only a small portion of the country. Redirecting its resources to the national Murder and Robbery Unit allows us to respond more effectively to politically motivated killings on a broader scale.”
He emphasized that the restructuring was meant to strengthen national police operations, not halt investigations.
Responds to Allegations of Political Interference
Sibiya also addressed claims of political meddling and conflicts with senior SAPS officials.
“Any conflicts within SAPS relate to succession and management challenges, not criminal collusion,” he stated, stressing that internal power struggles, not criminal activity, explain tensions."
