Fadiel Adams Vows to Charge Suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya if Madlanga Commission Bribery Claims Prove True
In a bold stand against alleged corruption in South Africa’s top police ranks, National Coloured Congress (NCC) MP Fadiel Adams has declared he will not hold back from laying criminal charges against suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya if damning bribery allegations hold up. This comes amid explosive revelations at the Madlanga Commission, where a secret recording captured attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala confessing to paying Sibiya up to R1 million a month in cash. Adams, speaking outside the Cape Town Central Police Station, stressed he is hunting for solid proof before acting, but promised to move fast if evidence surfaces. His comments add fuel to growing tensions within the South African Police Service (SAPS), as probes into crime intelligence and political meddling deepen.
Explosive Testimony at the Madlanga Commission
The Madlanga Commission, set up to dig into claims of wrongdoing in crime intelligence, heard shocking details from Witness C, a detective from Gauteng’s counterintelligence unit. On day 22 of the hearings, Witness C played a four-hour recording of Matlala, a key figure in organised crime circles, spilling secrets about his dealings with high-ranking officers. Matlala allegedly confessed to handing Sibiya cash bribes ranging from R500,000 to R1 million each month, claiming Sibiya liked cash to avoid bank trails.
The recording went further, with Matlala saying he gave extra sums like R300,000 for Sibiya’s son’s wedding and R2 million towards a house. He named other officers on his “payroll,” including those who allegedly helped him dodge legal troubles or sway cases in his favour. Matlala, facing attempted murder charges, reportedly told detectives these payments ensured protection and influence within SAPS.
Witness C’s evidence painted a picture of deep-rooted graft, linking Sibiya to a web of favours for cash.
Sibiya, suspended earlier this year amid separate probes, has denied wrongdoing, but the commission’s revelations have ramped up scrutiny on his role as former head of crime intelligence. The hearings have also dragged in figures like Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, with Matlala claiming he and Sibiya pushed him to file false cases. These claims tie into broader worries about criminal networks infiltrating law enforcement, a key focus of the Madlanga inquiry.
Adams’ Crusade Against Police Top Brass
Adams, a vocal NCC leader, made his threat while at the Cape Town Central Police Station on Friday, 31 October 2025, after laying fresh charges against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola for nepotism. He accused Masemola of building a “network of patronage” by placing family members and allies in key SAPS roles, including his daughter, daughter-in-law, and alleged partner, some without proper qualifications. Adams listed six names in his complaint, demanding a probe by the anti-corruption unit in Pretoria.
This marks Adams’ second charge in a week. On Tuesday, he filed perjury charges against KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, claiming Mkhwanazi lied under oath at the Madlanga Commission. Adams dismissed suggestions this is a “fightback strategy,” pointing to his earlier complaints against crime intelligence heads over a year ago. He vowed more action, threatening charges against Mkhwanazi next week over alleged extrajudicial killings of children in KZN.
“I am aware of the allegations, we are looking for proof, we are looking for something tangible to bring to SAPS. Secondly, if General Sibiya has done anything, somebody send me a document. I’ll lay the charge against him,” Adams told SABC News. He stressed his moves aim to clean up SAPS, which he called a “big crime scene” under Masemola’s watch.
Tensions Boil Over in SAPS Leadership
The feud traces back to July 2025, when Mkhwanazi held a bombshell press conference accusing Mchunu, Sibiya, and others of meddling in police affairs. Mkhwanazi named Adams as someone with access to classified info, sparking claims of political interference. Mkhwanazi brushed off Adams’ perjury charges, saying he is not worried and stands by his testimony.
Adams has signalled readiness to testify at both the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s ad hoc committee, but insists others like General Kumalo finish first. He promised evidence from sources like Patricia Mashale to expose who really runs SAPS. The commission, chaired by Justice Madlanga, continues to uncover layers of alleged corruption, with Matlala’s confessions at the centre.
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