Public allegation of interference
On 6 July 2025 Mkhwanazi publicly alleged that Sibiya colluded to disband the Political Killings Task Team to shield organised-crime interests. Sibiya strongly disputes the allegations, which remain untested.
Witness
Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya
Suspended Deputy National Commissioner of Police (Crime Detection) · Pretoria / Johannesburg
Testified · suspended
South Africa's Deputy National Commissioner of Police for Crime Detection, suspended in July 2025 after KZN commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged he interfered in sensitive investigations. Before the Madlanga Commission he was questioned over the disbandment of the KZN Political Killings Task Team, the removal of 121 dockets, and alleged links to figures connected to the so-called 'Big Five' cartel. He denies any corruption, though he conceded certain procedural deviations; none of the allegations has been tested to a finding. He is a different person from Brigadier Kwazikwakhe Sibiya.
This profile summarises testimony and evidence given on the public record before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. It restates allegations as presented at the hearings and is not a finding of guilt, liability, or wrongdoing by any person.
Awaiting appearanceNo portrait on the public record yet
Their role
What the record says
Suspension pending the inquiry
Sibiya was placed on special leave / suspended from his post as Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection in 2025, pending the outcome of the commission. He continues to deny wrongdoing.
Disbandment of the task team
Sibiya testified that he believed the unit had achieved its purpose, but conceded he used an implementation plan that deviated from the approved strategy and that the team was effectively disbanded without a formal review - framing this as a procedural deviation, not corruption.
Removal of 121 dockets
He denied ordering the dockets brought to Gauteng, but admitted he took control of the dockets - including matters on the court roll - and that they sat in his office for roughly three months before being returned. He maintains the intention was to inspect them.
Alleged ties to 'Cat' Matlala (denied)
It was alleged Sibiya had improper links to alleged cartel figure Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala. He categorically denied ever receiving any benefit, calling the suggestion 'false, unfounded and devoid of any factual basis,' while conceding he had met Matlala on several occasions.
On the stand
Appears across 5 hearing days
Connections
How this witness links to the record
Subject of his allegations
Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner
Mkhwanazi named Sibiya among the senior officers he alleged interfered with investigations.
View profile →Co-named over the disbandmentSenzo Mchunu
Minister of Police (on special leave)
Both were named in connection with the weakening of the political killings task team.
View profile →Distinct person, same surnameLieutenant Colonel Kwazikwakhe Sibiya
Hawks officer, Durban Serious Organised Crime Unit
Not to be confused with Brigadier Kwazikwakhe Sibiya, a junior officer witness in the R200m cocaine matter - a different person.
View profile →Distinct person, similar surnameMajor-General Richard Shibiri
Head of the SAPS Organised Crime component (dismissed)
Often confused: Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya (suspended deputy national commissioner) is not Maj-Gen Richard Shibiri (dismissed Organised Crime head) - different people, different surnames.
View profile →Exhibits
