Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lt-General Shadrack Sibiya, took to Parliament today to firmly refute any involvement in the alleged contamination of the murder scene of late Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa. His statements come as the Ad Hoc Committee probes claims from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which have led to significant scrutiny over Sibiya’s actions and relationships within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
During his testimony, Sibiya faced intense questioning from Members of Parliament (MPs) who asked not only about his role in the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), but also about his connections with controversial figures. The inquiry took an unexpectedly personal turn when MP David Skosana directed a question to Sibiya regarding his presence at the scene of Meyiwa’s murder in 2014.
Sibiya, who was head of the Hawks at that time, seized the moment to address the swirling accusations regarding his integrity and to distance himself from the allegations surrounding the investigation of Meyiwa’s death. “I went to the house to start the investigation; it was packed, lots of movement. I am very well trained; I preserved the scene and cordoned it off. I just want to say I am not involved,” he asserted, aiming to reassure the public about his commitment to a proper investigative process.
Unsurprisingly, the investigation surrounding Meyiwa’s death remains highly sensitive, bringing to light the complexities entwined with political influence and alleged interference within the SAPS. Mkhwanazi’s claims have painted Sibiya in a dubious light, prompting MPs to seek clarity on his relationships, particularly with individuals like businessman Brown Mogotsi and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Yesterday, Sibiya sidestepped an in-depth evaluation of his dealings with Mogotsi, but the questioning intensified today. One MP questioned the implications of a phone call in which Mogotsi provided Sibiya with a warning about alleged forces within the SAPS working against him. ANC MP Xola Nqola’s concern over the leak of sensitive information into communities prompted Sibiya to express his unease about the matter while indicating that he utilised the information to navigate his precarious situation.
“Of course, I am concerned. What did I do with the info? I used it to my advantage for my own survival,” Sibiya responded, illustrating the perilous position he finds himself in as accusations mount against him.
As the investigation unfolds, MPs from all parties are eager to delve deeper into Sibiya’s timeline of events, seeking to peel back the layers of this complex narrative where justice, politics, and personal integrity intertwine.