Sibiya claims 'factional war’ within SAPS

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that there is a factional war at play within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

On one side sits KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

While on the other rests the likes of Sibiya, the head of counterintelligence, Feroz Khan, and other senior ranking cops.

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While concluding his testimony at the inquiry on Tuesday night, Sibiya suggested he tried to make peace with Mkhwanazi on several occasions for the sake of the badge.

Sibiya claims the allegations presented by Mkhwanazi that the criminal justice system in Gauteng is captured by rouge elements was an attempt by Mkhwanazi’s faction to avoid the axe.

Just before Mkhwanazi’s 6 July briefing in 2025, the Inspector General of Intelligence, Imtiaz Faizel, issued a report calling for criminal action against two of Mkhwanazi’s allies - Masemola and Khumalo.

The report related to the purchase of R120 million property and the alleged abuse of the slush fund.

But Mkhwanazi’s allegations on 6 July threw a spanner in the works.

Sibiya said the factional battle within SAPS is no secret.

“We are at war, there are factions - I do agree. There are conflicts in the police that led us to where we are. That’s unfortunately what’s going on.”

Sibiya will return to the Madlanga Commission at a later stage to conclude his testimony.