Sibiya insists instruction to disband PKTT was given by Masemola

Suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya remains adamant that the instruction to carry out the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) was given by his boss, Fannie Masemola.

Sibiya has been testifying at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria.

He provided the commission with his version of events regarding the disbandment of the PKTT.

Sibiya claims Masemola's stance that he was surprised by the PKTT disbandment letter, issued by police minister Senzo Mchunu in December 2024, is unbelievable.

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Sibiya claims Masemola knew about the possible disbandment of the PKTT, as he was privy to talks about absorbing the task team into the murder and robbery unit.

Sibiya said he had signed off on a close-out report for the PKTT but was ultimately acting under instruction from Masemola.

"I emphasise that any role I played in the disbandment of the PKTT was undertaken solely in the course and scope of instructions issued to me by the national commissioner."

He said that had he not acted on the instruction, he could have been charged with insubordination.

"The alternative would have been for me to defy a direct order from my superior, which would have itself constituted unlawful conduct and a disciplinary offence.”

The PKTT remains active in conducting its investigations.