The Madlanga Commission continues to expose alleged deep-rooted corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system. This week, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, the SAPS Crime Intelligence chief, gave startling evidence that directly implicates Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya in alleged dealings with organised crime syndicates.
The main claim? That Sibiya’s office is linked to a criminal cartel through a detective who facilitated cash movements between underworld figures and high-ranking police officials.
SAPS Vehicle, Suspicious Bag and Tender Kickbacks
In a dramatic presentation to the Commission, Khumalo showed CCTV footage of Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, a detective in Sibiya’s office, visiting KT Molefe’s home. Molefe is a businessman currently on trial for attempted murder and has alleged ties to a crime syndicate known as the “Big Five.”
Read more: Hawks Boss Admits Interference in KT Molefe Arrest at Madlanga Commission for deeper insight into the obstruction claims.
Nkosi arrived empty-handed but was filmed leaving the house minutes later carrying a large white gift bag. The car he used belonged to SAPS and was allocated to Sibiya’s office.
“The bag is not transparent, but the way he’s holding it suggests it has value,” Khumalo told the Commission, adding a note of irony:
“We are yet to establish what kind of chocolates were inside.”
This vehicle was also seen exiting Sibiya’s Pretoria residence on the same day that his home was raided by police.
Who Is Scharnick Stuart James?
Even more disturbing was Khumalo’s revelation that Sibiya was using a vehicle owned by Scharnick Stuart James, a convicted carjacker. James has 34 cases on record, with 18 convictions, many linked to violent crimes in KwaZulu-Natal.
This same individual was seen accompanying Sibiya to Parliament when he testified before the ad hoc committee investigating state capture and policing corruption.
“It raises the question: when was this man serving his jail time?” Khumalo asked the Commission.
R360 Million Tender Under Scrutiny
The Commission also heard that Sibiya and KZN Hawks head Lesetja Senona allegedly helped businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala secure a R360 million SAPS healthcare tender. This tender was later cancelled, but not before several witnesses confirmed that Nkosi delivered kickbacks to Sibiya.
The implication is clear: members within SAPS may have abused their positions to profit from inflated tenders, funnelling money through intermediaries.
Related: Taxi Operator Gunned Down in Ecaleni, Thembisa — latest on the escalating violence in Gauteng’s taxi industry.
Obstruction of Justice Allegations Surface
In another serious accusation, Khumalo claimed that Hawks officers obstructed justice during a takedown operation at Molefe’s home in December 2024. He said Molefe’s associate, identified as Mthethwa, used political connections to stall the arrest.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s name was allegedly invoked to scare off investigators. While there is no evidence that the Minister himself was involved, the use of his name raises serious concerns.
“This was a clear obstruction and defeating of the ends of justice,” Khumalo said.
How Deep Does the Criminal Network Go?
Khumalo described the Big Five syndicate as a powerful criminal cartel that has infiltrated police ranks, state contracts, and political structures. He testified that syndicates have even begun recruiting hitmen from within the SAPS.
“Detectives can’t reach suspects because they have to go through Sibiya. That’s the challenge we face,” Khumalo said.
His testimony portrays a crippled justice system, where crime intelligence units are under siege from within.
What Happens Next at the Madlanga Commission?
The Madlanga Commission, officially known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminal Interference and Corruption, was launched to investigate collusion between law enforcement and organised crime. The revelations involving Sibiya are among the most damning to date.
While no criminal charges have yet been filed against Sibiya, the evidence presented under oath raises serious questions about the integrity of SAPS leadership.
Also read: Was The Hit Staged? Brown Mogotsi Says He’s ‘Living in Fear’ — inside the chilling account of threats tied to the Madlanga Commission revelations.
The Commission’s findings are expected to recommend referrals for prosecution, internal SAPS reforms, and parliamentary oversight.
The Madlanga Commission continues to unearth disturbing links between police leadership and criminal networks. With Khumalo linking Sibiya to criminal syndicates, South Africans are witnessing just how compromised parts of the justice system may be.
The real question now is: Will these revelations lead to accountability and reform—or more cover-ups?
