Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya asked to take a leave of absence

JOHANNESBURG - Deputy national commissioner for crime detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, has been placed on a leave of absence.

Eyewitness News understands that the instruction came directly from National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who tasked Deputy Commissioner Tebello Mosikili to request Sibiya remain at home, on leave, while investigations into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, were ongoing.

Sibiya's suspension falls on the back of a series of explosive allegations by Mkhwanazi two weeks ago.

Sibiya has welcomed the decision to be placed on leave pending investigations into damning allegations made by Mkhwanazi.

Speaking exclusively to EWN, Sibiya said he would comply with any decision for the betterment of the South African Police Service (SAPS). 

"As for now, I’ve been asked to say, 'we are not suspending you but because there are investigations ongoing, we suggest that you stay at home'. And this is what I’ve accepted as well and I am happy to do so."

Mkhwanazi alleged that Sibiya colluded with an information peddler from the North West, Brown Mogotsi, and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to have the KZN political killings task team disbanded.

In response, Sibiya labelled Mkhwanazi’s allegations as baseless lies, claiming that the KZN top cop was angered by the arrest of Crime Intelligence boss and close ally, Dumisani Khumalo.