Madlanga Commission | Shadrack Sibiya to face the music over close ties with alleged cartel figures
Witness F's testimony has revealed that Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala allegedly gifted 20 impalas to suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Suspended deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is set to testify on Wednesday when he appears at the Madlanga Commission to answer claims that he maintained close ties with alleged cartel leaders and benefited from their operations.
Sibiya, a senior cop within the police’s crime intelligence structures, is accused of being in cahoots with Katiso “KT” Molefe and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, men alleged to be key players in organised crime networks.
Testimony placed before the commission suggested the relationship went beyond professional contact and involved an alleged flow of money and protection.
At the centre of the allegations are claims that Sibiya used Sergeant Fannie Nkosi as a courier to collect cash from Molefe and Matlala.
Testimony before the commission indicated Nkosi allegedly gathered payments, hard cash, on Sibiya’s behalf, raising questions about whether senior police leadership was compromised while criminal networks operated with relative ease.
Sibiya has denied wrongdoing. His appearance is expected to directly address the claims under oath as the commission tests the credibility of witnesses and evidence presented so far.
The Madlanga Commission is probing allegations of corruption, interference and criminal infiltration within law enforcement.
Proceedings have exposed concerns that elements within the police may have shielded organised crime figures instead of dismantling their operations.
The matter comes amid renewed focus on cleaning up the country’s security services.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the need for stricter vetting of police and metro police officers to prevent criminal elements from embedding themselves within the system.
On Wednesday, Sibiya will be required to account for his alleged associations and respond to claims that a top police official stood too close to the very figures officers are meant to pursue.
The cop has since denied any close ties with Matlala and Molefe.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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