Sibiya Tells Madlanga Commission Masemola Ordered Political Killings Task Team Disbandment

Suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has disclosed that it was national police commissioner Fannie Masemola who gave the order to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). Sibiya revealed this during his testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, where he presented his side of the story behind the controversial decision to shut down the Task Team.

In his evidence, Sibiya firmly maintained that he was not involved in the decision-making process to disband the PKTT. He stated that he merely followed the instructions given to him by his superior, Masemola.

The disbandment of the Task Team has raised serious concerns and sparked public outcry, especially in light of the ongoing political killings in South Africa. The PKTT was initially established to investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the murders of political figures in the country. However, the decision to shut it down has led to a setback in the fight against political violence and has left many questioning the motives behind the move.

During his testimony, Sibiya recounted the events leading up to the disbandment of the Task Team, which he described as “abrupt and unexpected.” He stated that he received a phone call from Masemola on the 25th of January 2021, instructing him to immediately halt all operations of the PKTT and disband the team. Sibiya further claimed that Masemola told him that the decision was made following a meeting with the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC).

Sibiya’s version of events contradicts Masemola’s previous statement, in which she claimed that the decision to shut down the Task Team was a collective one, taken by the National Police Management Forum (NPMF). However, Sibiya has maintained that Masemola acted alone and did not consult the NPMF or any other relevant structures before giving the order.

This revelation has shed new light on the controversial disbandment of the PKTT and has raised serious questions about the integrity and transparency of the decision-making process within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the matter and determine the truth behind the disbandment of the Task Team.

The disbandment of the PKTT has been heavily criticized by various political parties and civil society organizations, who have called for an independent investigation into the decision. They have also questioned the timing of the move, as it comes at a time when there is a significant increase in political violence in the country.

The ongoing political killings have been a cause for concern in South Africa for many years now, with several high-profile political figures being targeted and killed. The establishment of the PKTT was seen as a step towards addressing this issue and providing justice for the victims and their families. However, the disbandment of the Task Team has raised doubts about the government’s commitment to bringing an end to political violence in the country.

Furthermore, the disbandment of the PKTT has also had a negative impact on the morale of the SAPS and has caused divisions within the organization. Many officers who were part of the Task Team have expressed their disappointment and frustration at the decision, stating that it undermines their efforts to combat political violence.

In conclusion, Sibiya’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission has shed new light on the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team. His account of events has raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the decision-making process within the SAPS. It is now up to the Commission to determine the truth behind the disbandment of the Task Team and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The fight against political violence in South Africa should not be hindered by political interference, and justice must be served for the victims and their families.