'Mentally exhausted’ Sibiya excused after five gruelling days at Madlanga Commission
Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has concluded part of his testimony before the Madlanga Commission following five days of intense questioning.
Sibiya was extensively questioned about his association with alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, and businessman Stuart Scharnick.
He was excused shortly after 8 pm on Tuesday evening, telling commissioners he was mentally exhausted, though the commission indicated that he would return to answer further questions, particularly concerning North West political fixer Brown Mogotsi.
Over the course of his testimony, Sibiya faced repeated probing on his decision to transfer 121 Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) dockets from KwaZulu-Natal following the unit’s disbandment.
He struggled at times to provide clear explanations about who was responsible for the files after they were moved, prompting sharp questioning from commissioners.
Sibiya appeared increasingly frustrated as commissioners pressed him for direct answers. At several points, he disputed the context of submitted messages and documents, citing lapses in memory.
Tensions escalated when he clashed with Commissioner Sesi Baloyi and Evidence Leader Advocate Adila Hassim SC, raising his voice in objection to what he described as insinuations embedded in the questioning.
Baloyi pushed back, emphasising that she would not be instructed on how to pose questions.
Throughout the proceedings, Sibiya repeatedly said he could not recall certain communications or the context of documents presented to the commission, even as commissioners insisted that the material was accurate and previously submitted.
A significant portion of Sibiya’s testimony focused on his alleged relationship with Matlala, who is facing multiple criminal charges.
Sibiya consistently denied any improper association.
"I have no relationship with Mr Matlala. I have never received money from him, nor do I maintain regular contact.”
Despite his denials, the commission heard from Witness F, a police sergeant, who testified that he acted as an intermediary, facilitating communication between Matlala and Sibiya.
Witness F claimed the two communicated regularly through him, a claim Sibiya rejected.
Sibiya was also questioned about allegations that Matlala had provided gifts and benefits, including wild animals reportedly delivered to Sibiya.
The suspended commissioner repeatedly denied receiving any animals.
He addressed claims that Matlala funded a cosmetic procedure for senior SAPS official Khosi Senthumule, stating that Senthumule’s assertion of no association with Matlala was inaccurate.
He added that he had granted her time off following the procedure because she was unable to sit comfortably, but maintained that he had no personal involvement in arranging the surgery.
These assertions aligned with prior testimony from General Rachel Matjeng, who described herself as Matlala’s former lover and alleged that he had funded a Brazilian butt-lift for a senior officer.
Scharnick and the white Fortuner
Sibiya faced scrutiny over his interactions with businessman Stuart Scharnick, who had acted as his bodyguard. Scharnick reportedly faced 34 criminal charges, 18 of which resulted in convictions.
Sibiya told the commission he was unaware of Scharnick’s criminal history.
"I do not randomly investigate people. I did not know of his past charges.”
He also admitted borrowing a white Toyota Fortuner from Scharnick last year and said he had not yet reimbursed him.
The commission questioned whether Sibiya’s continued interactions with Scharnick, given his record, were appropriate, but he maintained that his dealings were limited to the vehicle and bodyguard services.
PKTT dockets under scrutiny
Sibiya’s handling of the 121 Political Killings Task Team dockets drew intense scrutiny. Commissioners highlighted that several dockets were already in court when he took possession, raising concerns about delays in investigations.
Sibiya defended his actions, arguing that many of the files had been inactive since 2018 and that the task team’s work duplicated investigations conducted by the murder and robbery unit, rendering the unit redundant.
He stated that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was present when his alternative plan for the disbandment was presented and approved.
However, commissioners pressed him on inconsistencies. In March 2024, Sibiya had supported requests to extend the unit’s budget, yet he later described it as unnecessary. Some of the dockets were actively in court, contradicting his claims that the files were dormant.
He also ordered that dockets already in court be handed over to Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Hilda Senthumule, further complicating the administration of the cases.
Throughout the testimony, Sibiya repeatedly cited memory lapses regarding communications, meetings, and instructions.
Commissioners highlighted inconsistencies between his oral testimony and the 90-page statement he submitted, which denied all allegations.
At several points, Sibiya accused the commission of misrepresenting his actions.
Sibiya’s five-day appearance saw repeated interventions by commissioners when he appeared to avoid answering questions.
He became visibly frustrated, particularly when pressed to clarify interactions with Matlala, Scharnick, and other associates, and when commissioners questioned the rationale behind his handling of the PKTT dockets.
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