Shadrack Sibiya
By Nkosana Khumalo
In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the South African Police Service (SAPS), suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for crime detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, has accused National Commissioner Fannie Masemola of betraying him. This comes after a high-profile raid on his Centurion mansion on Thursday, 9 October 2025, as part of ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and links to criminal syndicates within the police force. 1 The incident highlights deep divisions in SAPS leadership and raises serious questions about integrity in the fight against crime in South Africa.
Sibiya, who has been at the centre of a storm of allegations since his suspension earlier this year, spoke openly about feeling abandoned by his fellow officers. He compared his situation to the biblical story of Joseph, thrown into a pit by his brothers. As probes into SAPS corruption continue, this latest development could have far-reaching effects on public trust in law enforcement.
Dramatic Raid at Sibiya’s Centurion Home
1 “Heavily armed police officers outside Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya’s Centurion home during the raid.” “LEFT” “SMALL”
Early on Thursday morning, around 3:00 a.m., a team of heavily armed officers from the task force and National Intervention Unit (NIU) descended on Sibiya’s home in Centurion, Pretoria. The operation involved multiple police vehicles, surveillance helicopters, and masked officers carrying automatic rifles. Streets around the property were cordoned off, creating a tense atmosphere in the quiet neighbourhood. 6
Sibiya was not at home when the raid began but was called to return. He cooperated with the officers, handing over a laptop and four mobile phones. He insisted there was nothing incriminating on the devices, which he used mainly for communication and research. The search lasted several hours, with officers going through personal belongings, including those of his family. His elderly mother and children were present, and Sibiya described how they were traumatised by the heavily armed presence. The children were secured in one room during the operation, but he noted that the officers conducted themselves professionally and did not interfere with documents he plans to present at upcoming hearings. 4
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that SAPS was aware of ongoing investigations but stated there had been no arrests, including of Sibiya. “As SAPS, we are not aware of any person that has been arrested thus far, and that includes Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya,” she said. 2 However, sources indicate the raid was linked to charges of defeating the ends of justice, money laundering, and corruption.
Sibiya’s Emotional Response: Betrayal by Colleagues
0 “Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya speaking to journalists after the raid at his home.” “RIGHT” “SMALL”
Speaking to journalists outside his home after the raid, Sibiya expressed deep hurt and frustration. “I feel like Joseph, whose brothers threw him in the pit,” he said, referring to how his colleagues had turned against him. 1 He directly accused Masemola and others of betrayal, noting that they had worked well together in the past and that Masemola had even visited his home multiple times.
“I’m not angry. I’m hurt,” Sibiya added. He claimed the raid was meant to disrupt his preparations for appearances before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on SAPS, the Madlanga Commission, and an internal disciplinary hearing. “This search for today, it is meant to disrupt me,” he explained, pointing out that without his devices, researching and communicating would be harder. Despite this, he vowed to appear before the Ad Hoc Committee on Monday, reserving his key submissions for that forum.
Sibiya also raised concerns about his safety. “I’m under siege; my life is in danger and that of my family,” he stated. 1 He mentioned cars with false registration numbers patrolling his area, surveillance by helicopters, and even the protection detail assigned to him—six NIU members—whom he believes are there more for monitoring than safeguarding. A letter from counter-intelligence had warned him of a high risk to his life, but he feels the protection is not in good faith.
Background: Allegations from KZN Commissioner Mkhwanazi
The troubles for Sibiya stem from explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. In July 2025, Mkhwanazi testified that Sibiya, along with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, colluded to disband the KZN Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) to protect criminal networks in Gauteng. 9 The PKTT was investigating political assassinations and had made inroads into cases linked to organised crime.
Mkhwanazi claimed Sibiya withdrew 121 case dockets from the team without approval from national or provincial commissioners, allowing them to gather dust in his office. 9 He also accused Sibiya of having contact with criminal kingpins, including blocking him on WhatsApp after attempts to discuss the murder investigation of rapper AKA. Sibiya denied this, saying, “I will respond to that also, but it’s not true.” 10 Defending his role, Sibiya explained, “My job is to investigate criminals… I don’t deal with Christians. I’m not a school principal. I work with criminals.”
Further, Mkhwanazi exposed alleged links between SAPS figures and underworld money, including former Police Minister Bheki Cele. Communications dating back to 2024 suggest money laundering operations involving high-level officials and crime syndicates. 5 Investigators found intermediaries in Crime Intelligence, detectives, forensic units, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) acting as runners between Sibiya and criminal elements.
Links to Crime Boss Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala
2 “Scene from the police raid on Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya’s property in Centurion.” “LEFT” “SMALL”
A key figure in the allegations is Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, a notorious tenderpreneur accused of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. Matlala was awarded a SAPS tender worth over R360 million in 2024. 2 Masemola testified at the Madlanga Commission that a whistleblower warned him of Sibiya’s close relationship with Matlala, claiming they worked together to direct police operations.
This led to a raid on Matlala’s premises on 6 December 2024, resulting in his arrest along with businessman Katiso Molefe. 3 Masemola revealed that Matlala’s phone records showed associations with criminal cartels, and there is prima facie evidence that Sibiya interfered with and delayed PKTT investigations. While some allegations remain unsubstantiated, Sibiya faces a disciplinary hearing over these claims.
Sibiya lost a court battle last month to overturn his suspension, which was imposed in March 2025 following these revelations. 8
The Madlanga Commission and Ad Hoc Committee Probes
The Madlanga Commission is investigating political interference, corruption, and collusion within the criminal justice system. 6 Masemola, Mkhwanazi, and SAPS head of legal services Petronella Margaretha van Rooyen have already testified. Sibiya is set to appear, along with facing the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee on Monday and an internal disciplinary process.
These inquiries stem from broader concerns about SAPS integrity, including the use of State Security Agency (SSA) reports to clear Sibiya for his position despite red flags from the City of Johannesburg and SAPS leadership. 5 Mkhwanazi questioned whether Sibiya’s clearance was legitimate.
Sibiya’s Career and Past Controversies
Sibiya began his career as a student constable in 1989 at the Hammanskraal SAPS Academy, later working in the Knysna detectives unit. He rose to become head of the Hawks in Gauteng but was controversially removed over allegations of involvement in the unlawful rendition of Zimbabweans in 2010, linked to a police murder in that country. 10
In mid-2023, Masemola promoted him to deputy national commissioner for crime detection. With nearly 37 years in organised crime investigations, Sibiya insists he has “been through the eye of a needle” before and is ready to clear his name.
Family Trauma and Fears for Safety
The raid has taken a toll on Sibiya’s family. His sick elderly mother and young children were left shaken. “I wish my colleagues could be at least thinking for my kids, my family that they haven’t done anything wrong for them to be traumatized like this,” he said. 1 He fears that any arrest attempt, especially at night, could lead to tragedy, urging fair treatment: “Let it be done in a fair way.”
His lawyer, Ian Levitt, who was present, plans to challenge the search warrant in court, noting it was not served properly and demanding the supporting affidavit. 1
No Arrest Yet, But Imminent?
Despite speculation of an imminent arrest, no charges were laid during the raid. Sibiya said, “I was under the impression that it’s going to happen. I’m expecting it anytime.” 7 He refuses to resign: “I know they want to push me out; I will never resign. They must fire me.”
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