PRETORIA – Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is defending his reputation against allegations of corruption and collusion with criminal figures as he testifies before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday. The inquiry is examining claims that Sibiya received up to R1 million a month from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala in exchange for ensuring Matlala won a multi-million-rand police tender. This comes as Sibiya alleges that KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is orchestrating a social media campaign against him, a claim Mkhwanazi denies.
The allegations against Sibiya surfaced during testimony before the commission, where a six-hour recording of a conversation between Matlala and a member of the Gauteng counterintelligence operations unit was played. In the recording, Matlala allegedly refers to Sibiya as a criminal, stating, “He’s a criminal himself, Sibiya.” Matlala reportedly made the confession upon his arrest in May 2025. The recording likewise revealed alleged links between Matlala and other senior police officials, including Gauteng head of organised crime, Richard Shibiri, and the national counterintelligence head, Feroz Khan.
Sibiya, however, has turned the tables, claiming that the negative publicity surrounding him is a deliberate effort orchestrated by Commissioner Mkhwanazi. According to IOL, Sibiya alleges that Mkhwanazi is behind paid social media accounts spreading damaging information about him. He further contends that Mkhwanazi’s popularity on platforms like TikTok is artificially inflated.
Allegations of Corruption and a Multi-Million Rand Tender
The core of the allegations centers around a police tender awarded to Matlala’s company. The Madlanga Commission is investigating whether Sibiya improperly influenced the tender process in favor of Matlala, receiving substantial monthly payments in return. Sibiya has vehemently denied these claims, stating, “Do I look like a drug dealer?” during his testimony, as reported by IOL. He maintains his innocence and suggests a politically motivated attack.
Mkhwanazi’s Response and Social Media Warfare
Commissioner Mkhwanazi has not directly addressed Sibiya’s claims of orchestrating a social media campaign. However, he has previously publicly accused Sibiya of criminal activity. The escalating tension between the two senior police officials is playing out not only in the courtroom but also online, with accusations of coordinated attacks and disinformation. eNCA reports that Sibiya has told the commission that Mkhwanazi’s social media popularity is “orchestrated.”
The Role of “Cat” Matlala and Other Alleged Associates
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s testimony is central to the case against Sibiya. The recorded confession details alleged payments made to Sibiya and implicates other high-ranking police officials. News24 highlights the commission’s focus on questioning Sibiya about his relationship with Matlala and others, including Richard Shibiri and Feroz Khan.
The Madlanga Commission’s proceedings are unfolding against a backdrop of political sensitivity and concerns about corruption within the South African police service. The allegations against Sibiya and Mkhwanazi have sparked public debate and raised questions about the integrity of law enforcement. The commission’s findings could have significant implications for the future of policing in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
The commission is expected to continue hearing testimony in the coming days, with further scrutiny of the evidence presented by Matlala and other witnesses. The next scheduled session will focus on examining financial records related to the alleged payments made to Sibiya. The commission is expected to release an interim report outlining its findings in the coming months.
This is a developing story. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
