‘Do I look like a drug dealer?‘ Shadrack Sibiya fires back at cartel claims | Madlanga Commission

“I don’t look like a person who deals with drugs,” that was a line from suspended SAPS deputy national commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, who says he has never touched drugs, never worked with cartels and is prepared to face prosecution if evidence proves otherwise.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Sibiya dismissed allegations that he was on the payroll of alleged cartel boss Vusimuzi “CAT” Matlala.

He described the accusations as false and politically motivated.

“I don't know if I look like someone who's involved in drugs, but I've never been involved in drugs.

“I don't work with drug cartels. If there's any voice, any role I've played, it's okay, I will be charged,” he said, challenging investigators to act if evidence exists.

Witnesses before the commission have alleged Sibiya received millions of rands in bribes and luxury gifts, including 20 impalas. He flatly denied receiving any illicit payments.

Sibiya is accused of orchestrating the disbandment of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), a specialised unit probing high-profile political murders.

It is further alleged that he ordered the withdrawal of 121 case dockets from the unit — some reportedly containing instructions for arrests that were never carried out.

He has also been linked in testimony to convicted criminal Stuart James Scharnick, who allegedly used state vehicles and acted as his close protection during parliamentary appearances.

Investigations into Sibiya’s alleged ties to cartels and abuse of influence are ongoing. He criticised what he called indefinite inquiries without resolution.

“My worry is when an investigation is being kept and saying we are investigating, we are investigating, and it’s getting nowhere,” he said.

Sibiya also addressed past controversy during his tenure as head of Group Forensic and Investigation Services at the City of Johannesburg from 2016 to 2022.

Political parties accused him of procuring a R20 million Israeli “spy machine” capable of intercepting communications.

He was later cleared after the State Security Agency found the equipment was for detecting surveillance devices, not conducting espionage.

Throughout hours of testimony, Sibiya maintained his innocence, insisting his record speaks for itself.

Sibiya’s testimony is expected to continue on Thursday. 

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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