Madlanga Commission | PKTT duplication, high costs justified disbandment – Sibiya

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, says the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) was far less active and effective than the Taxi and Gang Violence Task Team (TGVTT).

Sibiya testified under cross-examination on Thursday as the commission continues to probe his alleged role in the controversial decision to disband the task team — a move that has drawn intense scrutiny.

He told the inquiry that the task team placed a significant financial burden on the South African Police Service (SAPS), arguing that its mandate duplicated the work of existing units, including the Murder and Robbery Unit.

Sibiya said while all murders are serious, the PKTT handled very few cases compared with the TGVTT, which he claimed received new matters almost daily.

By contrast, he alleged the task team dealt with only one case over several months.

“What I was basing my answer on is that the Political Killings Task Team is actually not such a busy team because politicians don’t die every week or every second week, but we are maintaining it and spending millions on it through hotels on a daily basis. Now I’m saying, from where I’m sitting, we could use the budget better,” Sibiya said.

Sibiya maintained that discussions around the eventual disbandment of the task team were held at executive level, involving then Police minister Senzo Mchunu and National Police commissioner, Fannie Masemola.

He denied being the driving force behind the decision, insisting that the process was initiated by the minister and supported by the national commissioner.

The suspended deputy national commissioner also accused Masemola of nepotism, alleging preferential treatment of close associates within the SAPS – something he says undermines accountability and institutional integrity.

Sibiya argued that SAPS, as an institution with extensive coercive powers and control over public resources, must be held to the highest standards of transparency and governance.

He cited an incident involving Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Tebello Mosikili, who allegedly paid R10,000 in cash to two individuals at Makro for groceries, only to receive empty boxes.

Sibiya said a criminal case was opened and referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), but the matter was later withdrawn and the suspects released.

Sibiya also took issue with testimony by Crime Intelligence boss, Dumisani Khumalo, accusing him or presenting misleading and unverified evidence before the commission.

Khumalo had earlier shown CCTV footage allegedly depicting Witness F driving a white BMW assigned to Sibiya, visiting the home of alleged hit mastermind Kagiso ‘KT’ Molefe, and leaving with a white paper bag.

Sibiya countered that the BMW was only assigned to his office on 4 August 2024 and produced vehicle assignment records to support his claim.

He further stated that on the date the footage was recorded, he was in Cape Town on official SAPS business, attending a parliamentary portfolio committee meeting.

Sibiya told the commission that Khumalo’s version does not withstand scrutiny when measured against official records, urging commissioners to treat the Crime Intelligence boss’s claims with caution.

While conceding that he has a close association with Witness F, Sibiya denied any collusion or corrupt conduct, insisting he has never acted in a manner that would bring SAPS into disrepute.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao