Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya Says His Life Is in Danger After Raid on His Home
Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, has accused top South African Police Service (SAPS) officials of betrayal and intimidation following a dramatic raid at his Centurion home.
Sibiya, who was suspended last month amid corruption allegations, said his life and that of his family are in danger after what he described as a politically motivated attack from within the police ranks.
He claimed that even National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola—his superior—was part of an internal campaign to remove him from office.
Police Raid Sparks Tension
According to The Citizen, on Thursday afternoon, heavily armed officers descended on Sibiya’s residence in Pretoria as part of a search-and-seizure operation led by SAPS investigators.
The operation reportedly stemmed from allegations that Sibiya removed the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team’s dockets from their offices.
Speaking to journalists outside his home, Sibiya described the raid as a ploy to force him out of the police service.
“This is abuse of power. This is what I have to live with at this present moment,” he said, adding that his family had been traumatised by the show of force.
“I Will Never Resign; They Must Fire Me”
A defiant Sibiya said he would not step down despite the growing pressure and speculation about his imminent arrest.
“I know they want to push me out. I will never resign; they must fire me,” he declared.
He further confirmed that police confiscated several electronic devices, including a laptop and multiple cellphones, though he maintained there was “nothing” of concern on them.
Sibiya was accompanied by his lawyer, Ian Levitt, during the media briefing.
Sibiya Points to Surveillance and Threats
Sibiya alleged that his home had been under constant surveillance in recent weeks, claiming unmarked vehicles and even helicopters had been monitoring his movements.
“The whole exercise is just meant to confuse me and keep me under pressure. I am under siege here; my life and that of my family are in danger. Their cars come here with false registration numbers,” he said.
He added that the presence of media outside his home had further exposed his family’s location and heightened security concerns.
Determined to Clear His Name
Despite the turmoil, Sibiya vowed to defend his integrity and present his side of the story before Parliament and the Madlanga Commission.
He said he was ready to face any investigation and “tell his truth” about the events that led to his suspension.
“Well, me too, I was under the impression that this is going to happen. I’m expecting it at any time. I mean Mkhwanazi said yesterday that it’s imminent,” he remarked regarding reports of his possible arrest.
Sibiya maintained that the allegations and raids were part of a broader campaign to discredit and intimidate him, insisting he would continue serving the country “until justice prevails.”