Mkhwanazi, Sibiya clash as police inquiry concludes hearings

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and suspended Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Intelligence Shadrack Sibiya have made a series of explosive allegations against each other during hearings of a parliamentary ad hoc committee. The committee is investigating the circumstances around Sibiya's suspension in 2022.

During his testimony, Mkhwanazi stated there would "never be peace" between himself and Sibiya, accusing him of being part of a faction that sought to undermine his authority. Mkhwanazi alleged that Sibiya was involved in a plot to have him assassinated, a claim he reported to authorities.

In turn, Shadrack Sibiya, who was suspended by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, has accused Mkhwanazi of being part of a group that fabricated evidence against him. Sibiya's suspension is related to his alleged involvement in the 2010 murder of a businessman, for which he was previously arrested and later released.

The ad hoc committee, established by the National Assembly, has concluded its public hearings. It is now tasked with compiling a report on its findings regarding the lawfulness and procedural fairness of Sibiya's suspension, which has been a protracted and contentious issue within the South African Police Service.