Johannesburg – On the eve of the opening of the Madlanga Commission, the Public Servants Association (PSA) says it welcomes the suspension of South African Police Service (SAPS) Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System begins tomorrow, Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
When allegations of wrongdoing were first publicly levelled against Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya by KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi on 6 July 2025, the deputy national commissioner was placed on special leave.
However, last week on Friday, 12 September 2025, SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola suspended Lieutenant-General Sibiya.
This suspension follows allegations that Lieutenant-General Sibiya interfered with the KwaZulu-Natal political killings task team, including attempts to disband the unit and withdraw case dockets without authorisation.
In his bombshell allegations, Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi said senior police officials have either aided criminal networks, ignored credible intelligence, or benefited politically and financially, allowing corruption to fester unchecked.
He also accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of meddling in the work of the police. Mchunu has since been placed on special leave.
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Commenting on the matter on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, the Public Servants Association (PSA) said it “welcomes the decisive action taken by the National Police Commissioner to suspend the Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, with immediate effect”.
The union said it views this development as a necessary step to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations and to restore public confidence in SAPS.
The PSA said it commends the leadership of the Commissioner for prioritising accountability and transparency in the face of mounting concerns about political interference in law enforcement.
The PSA added that it acknowledges the Pretoria High Court’s ruling, which upheld the legality and proportionality of the suspension, reinforcing the principle that no person is above the law.
The PSA called for a swift and impartial investigation to ensure that justice is served.
Lieutenant Mkhwanazi is scheduled to be the first witness when the inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, begins.
This long-awaited start comes after a frustrating two-week delay from the original 1 September 2025 launch, blamed on administrative lapses in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
As a result, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced disciplinary proceedings against Director-General Advocate Doc Mashabane and the suspension of ICT Deputy Director-General Jabu Hlatshwayo for failing to procure essential infrastructure like secure IT systems, streaming solutions, and venue adaptations.
Despite these setbacks, preliminary witness interactions have proceeded, ensuring the commission remains on track for its mandated interim report within three months and final findings in six.
