South Africa - Pretoria - 23 Feberuary 2026. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry witness former Deputy Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya testifies at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Suspended SAPS deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has flatly denied that deputy minister of police Cassel Mathale pressured him to arrest blogger Musa Khawula, as the Madlanga Commission intensifies its cross-examination on Tuesday.
Under sustained questioning on Monday, Sibiya rejected claims that he instructed a senior officer to share Khawula’s arrest warrant with alleged tender tycoon Vusimusi Matlala, who is facing an attempted murder charge.
WhatsApp messages presented before the commission appear to suggest otherwise.
Sibiya also dismissed allegations of a close relationship with Matlala or that he received expensive gifts from him.
However, he conceded that Matlala’s wife became intoxicated at his son’s engagement party, held at his Midrand home on September 24, 2024 — a gathering now central to the inquiry.
The commission is probing whether senior police leadership was compromised and whether private relationships blurred official lines.
Sibiya maintained he acted lawfully and independently. The commission resumes on Tuesday.
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