JOHANNESBURG – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially denied media reports that suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has been arrested, despite confirming that police officers are currently conducting an operation at his Centurion residence.
The clarification came from national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, who addressed the swirling speculation on Thursday. “There are investigations that are ongoing as publicised and mentioned at the ad hoc committee and the Madlanga Commission,” Mathe stated. “As SAPS, we are not aware of any person who has been arrested thus far, and that includes Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.”
This statement follows intense media attention after multiple law enforcement units, including members of the National Intervention Unit and Crime Intelligence, were seen entering Sibiya’s property earlier today. The presence of such specialized units had fueled widespread speculation about an imminent arrest in the high-profile case.
However, sources close to the investigation revealed that while officers were inside Sibiya’s home, the suspended general himself had not yet arrived at the property. He is reportedly en route with his legal representative to meet with investigators.
The development marks the latest chapter in the escalating controversy surrounding Sibiya, who has been thrust into the spotlight following serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. In recent parliamentary testimony, Mkhwanazi identified Sibiya, along with suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and others, as being part of what he described as a syndicate allegedly obstructing police operations in South Africa.
The ongoing operation at Sibiya’s home appears to be connected to the broader investigation into these allegations, though authorities have not specified the exact nature of today’s police action. The search is understood to be part of the evidence-gathering process in the wide-ranging probe into corruption within police ranks.
As the situation continues to develop, all eyes remain on the Centurion residence where the police operation is underway. Independent Online (IOL) will provide continuous updates as more verified information emerges about this rapidly unfolding story that has gripped the nation’s attention.
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