Deputy national police commissioner Lt‑Gen Shadrack Sibiya appeared before an ad hoc parliamentary committee on allegations arising from the disbandment of the political killings task team (PKTT)
However, the hearing was disrupted by an unresolved dispute over recusals and conflicts of interest that left the committee unable to reach immediate procedural conclusions.
The sitting, the first occasion on which Sibiya was given the opportunity to respond to accusations recorded in court papers and a warrant application, was dominated by competing party submissions about whether members who have laid criminal complaints should remain on the panel.
Brig William Sipho Kunene’s affidavit and warrant application, tendered to the committee and entered on the public record during the sitting, alleges the PKTT’s disestablishment was planned between December 6 and 31 2024, and names Senzo Mchunu, Shadrack Sibiya, Brown Mogotsi and Cat Matlala in connection with that process.
The papers, as tabled to the committee, record that on July 10 2025, MK party MP David Mandla Skosana opened a criminal complaint alleging fraud, forgery and obstruction of justice against Mchunu, Sibiya and others, and that on the same date DA MP Lisa‑Maré Schickerling registered a complaint alleging Mchunu lied to parliament and may have contravened powers and privileges legislation.
Evidence leader advocate Norman Arendse told the committee its work required “an elevated duty of fairness” when assessing the veracity of allegations and warned that the presence of members who have lodged criminal complaints “goes to the heart of fundamental fairness”.
Chair Soviet Lekganyane defended the distinction between the evidence leader and parliament’s counsel and instructed the panel to seek advice from Parliamentary Services and the speaker on impartiality and recusal.
Lekganyane said the committee would allow Sibiya to present evidence but cautioned that any testimony implicating a member or any expressed unhappiness with a member’s presence “will create a problem to be addressed in legal advice”. He told the committee that parliamentary rules must align with the Constitution.
The sitting recorded a range of party positions. The DA moved to replace Schickerling on the panel and Glynnis Breytenbach announced Schickerling’s withdrawal and the appointment of Damien Klopper. MK party members disputed the DA’s approach and argued that party members who lodged complaints had acted in their official capacities; MK party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo said that if Skosana were required to recuse himself, the MK party should withdraw its participation.
PA MP Ashley Sauls pressed for broader recusals, contending it would be unfair for Sibiya to be questioned by members who had laid charges. ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli and other parties proposed deferring the recusal question to Parliamentary Services while allowing hearings to continue in the interim.
Parliamentary legal adviser Andile Tetyana advised the committee that its function was investigatory and not judicial, that it reported to the House for decisions, and that holding strong opinions did not automatically disqualify an MP from participation. Sibiya is scheduled to return later on Monday.
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