Sibiya Accuses MK Party MP David Skosana of Colluding with Mkhwanazi to Send Him to Jail
Suspended national police deputy commissioner for crime detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, has accused uMkhonto weSizwe Party MP David Skosana of colluding with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to send him to jail. This explosive claim came during Sibiya’s second day of testimony before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating corruption within state security structures.
Sibiya’s allegations have sparked intense debate, highlighting tensions within South Africa’s law enforcement and political spheres. As the Madlanga Commission continues to probe high-level police corruption, these accusations add another layer to an already complex saga involving claims of political interference, misuse of power, and personal vendettas.
Sibiya’s Resistance to Skosana’s Questioning
During the hearing, Sibiya refused to answer questions from Skosana, citing a potential conflict of interest. He argued that Skosana, as a complainant in a criminal case against him stemming from Mkhwanazi’s July 6, 2025, statement, should not be allowed to interrogate him in Parliament. “This is the person I am going to sit with, at some point, and stand against in court because he is a complainant, and him using this platform now to solicit answers from me that I am going to defend before court, to me, is a very serious concern,” Sibiya stated.
He further claimed that Skosana is “working with General Mkhwanazi” because the MKP MP’s name appeared in documents used by Mkhwanazi’s team to open the case against him. Sibiya requested protection from the committee chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, emphasising that the situation compromised the fairness of the proceedings.
When pressed on whether he stood by his accusation or wished to withdraw it, Sibiya doubled down. “I stand by that statement for [these] simple reasons: the fact that the honourable [member] went and opened a case, and then the next thing, the details of the case, the statement, and everything is what the investigating officer of the case is using in applying for a search warrant — as far as I’m concerned, there has been communication,” he explained.
Sibiya also pointed out that the MKP has organised marches against him, opened cases, and publicly supported Mkhwanazi, further fuelling his suspicions of collusion.
Committee Chairperson’s Ruling on the Matter
Chairperson Lekganyane acknowledged Sibiya’s concerns but ruled that he could not dictate how questions were posed or force responses. In the interest of fairness, Lekganyane allowed Sibiya to respond with “no comment” if he chose, while permitting Skosana to ask questions as a committee member. “I cannot prescribe how questions should be answered and cannot force Sibiya to respond to questions in a certain way,” Lekganyane said.
This decision aimed to balance the rights of both the witness and the MP, ensuring the inquiry proceeded without undue bias.
Skosana’s Defence Against the Allegations
Skosana denied any private or improper communication with Mkhwanazi, insisting that his interactions with police officials are part of his parliamentary duties on the police committee. “The nation should not be misled that I am speaking [privately] to Mkhwanazi,” he said.
He clarified that opening a case ends his involvement, leaving investigations to the police. “I just want to say this is not personal. I haven’t instructed anyone to go and confiscate the gadgets of General Sibiya. Once you open a case, it ends there. I don’t know, I am not an investigator, and I am not a policeman. Whatever was happening, I am sure they were doing their job like us here,” Skosana added.
Skosana’s role in the committee includes engaging with all stakeholders in the police structure, which he argued justifies any official contact.
Broader Context: The July 6 Statement and Ongoing Tensions
The root of Sibiya’s accusations traces back to Mkhwanazi’s controversial July 6, 2025, media briefing, where the KZN commissioner accused Sibiya and others of corruption and interference in investigations. Mkhwanazi claimed Sibiya bought surveillance equipment with forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan and was involved in a “hit squad.” Sibiya has slammed these as baseless, saying Mkhwanazi “doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
Sibiya detailed how his relationship with Mkhwanazi soured after he refused to support the commissioner’s bid for national commissioner. “I didn’t see it coming,” Sibiya said of the fallout. He also accused Mkhwanazi of disrespecting former police minister Bheki Cele, quoting him as saying, “I don’t report to politicians.”
These claims are part of broader inquiries, including the Madlanga Commission into police corruption and Parliament’s ad hoc committee. Sibiya’s testimony has exposed alleged divisions within SAPS, with accusations of political meddling and personal agendas.
Public and Political Reactions to the Clash
The exchange has drawn widespread attention, with social media buzzing over the drama. Some users praised Sibiya for standing his ground, while others questioned Skosana’s impartiality. “Conflict of interest much?” one tweet read.
Political analysts see this as symptomatic of deeper rifts in law enforcement, exacerbated by the MKP’s support for Mkhwanazi. The party’s marches against Sibiya and alignment with the commissioner have intensified suspicions of coordinated efforts.
Committee members have raised concerns about fairness, with the chairperson navigating a delicate balance to maintain the inquiry’s integrity.
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