Madlanga Commission | Sibiya claims Lt-Gen. Mkhwanazi is behind paid social media accounts

Suspended SAPS deputy commissioner, Lt-Gen. Shadrack Sibiya suggests at the Madlanga Commission that people are being paid on social media to support KZN Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, saying his fame is suspicious.

“When you look at all the provincial commissioners, you will not see anyone on social media,” Sibiya told the commission on Wednesday.

“They don’t have followers because you are not allowed to be on social media as a police officer. But you have got this one provincial commissioner who’s on social media every day.”

He went further, claiming Mkhwanazi is backed by many thousands of accounts and is supported by the MK Party (MKP).

According to Sibiya, the scale and intensity of online praise directed at Mkhwanazi simply does not add up.

Yet when commission chair Mbuyiseli Madlanga pressed him for proof, the claims faltered.

“Does he have his own social media accounts? Yes or no?” Madlanga asked directly.“I don’t know,” Sibiya conceded.

Madlanga did not hide his concern. “I’m not sure that it’s fair then to make the point that you appear to be trying to make.”

The exchange cut to the core of the matter, allegation with no evidence — at least not yet.

Mkhwanazi’s public profile surged after his July 6, 2024 media briefing, where he made sweeping claims about political interference in policing.

He accused then-police minister Senzo Mchunu and Sibiya of meddling in investigations to shield organised crime networks.

He further alleged that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) was abruptly disbanded on December 31, 2024, and that 121 case dockets, including five with recommended arrests, were removed and left untouched at SAPS head office.

On social media, Mkhwanazi is widely praised for tackling corruption, while offline, the institutional war intensifies.

The commission continues.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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