At the Madlanga Commission on 19 February 2026, suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya faced intense cross-examination over the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and related corruption allegations. Commissioners and evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim challenged Sibiya's explanations, highlighting contradictions in his testimony. Sibiya denied involvement in wrongdoing, attributing decisions to pressure from higher authorities.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged criminality, political interference, and corruption in the South African Police Service (SAPS) continued its probe on 19 February 2026 with Day Two of General Shadrack Sibiya's testimony. As the Deputy National Police Commissioner for detection and investigations, Sibiya is accused of shuttering the KwaZulu-Natal-based PKTT and accepting bribes from Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Katiso Molefe, who are currently in jail on charges including murder and attempted murder. Sibiya has denied receiving any bribes, such as impalas, cash, or a mysterious bag, and distanced himself from the pair.
Evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim meticulously questioned Sibiya on documents related to the PKTT's closure, pointing out inconsistencies. Sibiya claimed the decision followed a broader plan to disband expensive specialist teams to fund core units like murder and robbery investigations. However, Hassim noted that other task teams with larger budgets remained operational. Sibiya testified that he supported funding for the PKTT in March 2024 but later signed a letter closing it, which he said was drafted in National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola's office under pressure from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Commissioner Advocate Sesi Baloyi pressed Sibiya on why the PKTT was targeted despite his earlier funding approval, while Advocate Sandile Khumalo criticized Sibiya for applying guidelines improperly to justify the minister's order. Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga highlighted a contradiction in Sibiya's statements about expecting the disbandment. Madlanga said: “I find it rather odd that you say you were not surprised and that General Masemola should not have been surprised, when all of you – you say four times – did not expect this.”
Sibiya also referenced the Marais report, which recommends closing provincial investigative units, but Madlanga challenged him to show specific mention of the PKTT, stating: “We see nothing that says PKTT, you are being disbanded.” Sibiya maintained he owned the documents he signed but acted under duress. The commission adjourned with Sibiya scheduled to return the next day.
