At the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system, Commissioner Sesi Baloyi questioned suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya regarding his handling of the 121 Political Killing Task Team (PKTT) dockets.
Baloyi challenged Sibiya on the SS9 communication document that he cited in administrative procedures, noting that it contained no written instruction to implement the deactivation of the PKTT dockets. Baloyi suggested that Sibiya may have acted without proper authority.
In response, Sibiya said he felt “oppressed” by the official process but maintained that he believed he was following directives from the National Commissioner’s office.
“I feel oppressed in the sense that this is an official process coming from the minister to the national commissioner to me. What pains me the most is seeing how the commissioners are rejecting it, even though it comes from the national commissioner. I signed it, and I accept that,” he stated.
Sibiya also acknowledged that replacing investigators on complex dockets would take time, as new detectives must familiarize themselves with case details. He admitted that such changes could disrupt investigations but emphasised that reassignments are standard practice within the service.
“It may highlight some weaknesses within the system in any normal process of handing over. These measures were necessary to ensure that ongoing investigations were not disrupted. It should be seen as a positive step on my side, and transitional arrangements were in place relating to the disbandment of the PKTT,” Sibiya explained.
VOC News
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