‘I’ve done nothing wrong’, says Sibiya

Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, insists that he is innocent – arguing that National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola’s decision to suspend him was both unlawful and procedurally flawed.

Sibiya approached the Pretoria High Court to challenge his suspension, which followed explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The case was expected to be heard today, but the applicants instead requested a special allocation rather than proceeding on the urgent roll.

Outside court, Sibiya defended his role in the alleged disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team, insisting he was not the only person involved.

Sibiya’s legal team is now pushing for the matter to be heard by a full bench of judges, with a date yet to be set.

The Deputy National Police Commissioner who was placed on special leave in July, has expressed confidence in being cleared of all allegations against him.

Mkhwanazi placed Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu and Sibiya, at the centre of what has been described as a crisis at the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Sibiya also explained his reasoning on why he has to be urgently reinstated.

“There are processes to be followed in terms of law in this country. There are regulations to be complied with and everyone of us are bound by those laws. You can’t do as you please and so this is why I am challenging the suspension. We need to follow protocol,” he argued.

Last week, National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, said he will allow the courts to deal with his Sibiya’s suspension.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao