Police clarify reports surrounding Shadrack Sibiya’s alleged arrest

Police clarify reports surrounding Shadrack Sibiya’s alleged arrest

Katlego Sekhu

• The reported police operation at Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya’s home has stirred confusion and speculation.
• Sibiya’s ongoing suspension and the allegations against him have deepened tensions within the police service.
• The situation highlights broader concerns about internal governance and accountability within SAPS.

Following reports that officials had surrounded the home of Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya in Centurion as part of a planned arrest for allegedly defeating the ends of justice, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has moved to clarify the situation.

SAPS stated that they are “not aware of any person that has been arrested thus far, and that includes Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.”

The police further confirmed that investigations are ongoing but no arrests have been made at this stage. The situation remains sensitive, marked by political overtones and leadership uncertainty as South Africa currently has no Minister of Police.

Sibiya was suspended in September 2025 after a failed court bid to overturn his earlier enforced leave of absence by National Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

His suspension followed allegations that he colluded with certain individuals to disband the KwaZulu-Natal political killings task team and that he maintained associations with criminal syndicates, though these claims are still under investigation.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has since raised concerns about governance within SAPS, questioning the irregularity of Sibiya initially being placed on leave rather than suspension.

This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.

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