‘Clandestine investigations worry me’: Sibiya on forced leave

Sibiya

Cape Town – Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, says he was surprised to be placed on special leave, following allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi accused Sibiya of being linked to criminal syndicates within SAPS.

National Commissioner Fannie Masemola on Tuesday confirmed the special leave, pending investigations.

“He has been served with documents to take leave while the processes are underway. We don’t normally like to discuss details of our departmental processes, but yes, he has been served today to stay home while other processes are unfolding,” Masemola said.

“It is a leave of absence while we are doing the internal process.”

According to SABC News, Sibiya expressed concern over what he called “clandestine investigations” and “kangaroo disciplinary proceedings” but said he is prepared to defend himself before the judicial commission of inquiry.

“In relation to what happened, where I got a letter that suggests that I should be at home because there are some investigations being conducted against me, that one, I’m a little bit disturbed and surprised in a sense that once the President announced that there’s going to be an inquiry that will determine and produce a report. All of us need to comply and wait for our turn,” the report quoted him as saying.

“These other investigations – clandestine investigations – and kangaroo disciplinary proceedings worry me. But be that as it may, the law is on my side, and I will be ready to attend to this matter. I’ve got a legal team that is supporting me. But I wanna say it is my prayer. And my wish. Including the national commissioner, including everybody who’s involved to allow the process as announced by the president to take its natural course.”

He urged that the inquiry, announced by the President, be allowed to run its full course and stated that he has legal support to clear his name.

In a March interview with EWN, Sibiya addressed reported tensions with Mkhwanazi.

He said at the time that the strain began during the AKA murder investigation, when he instructed Mkhwanazi’s deputy to brief former police minister Bheki Cele in Gauteng.

Despite the fallout, Sibiya said he respected Mkhwanazi and believed they had resolved their issues. He also mentioned efforts to falsely link him to alleged Gauteng underworld figure Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.

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