Shadrach Sabir Denies Allegations, Defends His Role in PKT Disbandment
Shadrach Sabir, the suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, offering his defense amid accusations that he was involved in a political plot orchestrated by the MK party.

During his testimony, Sabir strongly rejected the idea that he had acted with any political motivation, instead asserting that the allegations against him were part of a broader political scheme aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

Sabir’s appearance before the commission marked a significant moment as he addressed the accusations that have put his career in jeopardy.

Political Pressure and Alleged Misuse of Police Resources
Sabir began his testimony by addressing the claim that the MK party had been behind the efforts to undermine his reputation.

He described how political pressure, particularly from the MK party, had led to the damaging of his image.

Sabir explained that allegations against him had been framed as part of a broader political strategy, one that had been designed to exploit his position within the police force.

Sabir emphasized that his involvement with the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) was not a personal decision.

He insisted that he had merely followed instructions from his superior, the National Police Commissioner, who had directed him to carry out the disbandment after the police minister’s directive on December 31st, 2024.

According to Sabir, the PKTT, which had been hailed as a successful and effective unit, had failed to meet expectations, and the disbandment was in line with the need for reform and restructuring within the police service.

The Struggles of the Political Killings Task Team

During his testimony, Sabir addressed the PKTT’s performance, which had been praised by some but criticized by others.

He was particularly critical of the PKTT’s lack of progress on critical cases, revealing that many of the dockets they had been working on remained unresolved for years.

According to Sabir, the PKTT’s efficiency was overstated, and their track record painted a different picture of their effectiveness.

Sabir highlighted that many of the cases handled by the PKTT had not been updated in years, with some of the dockets dating back to 2017, 2018, and even 2020.

He noted that this long delay in investigating key cases pointed to the unit’s inefficiency and questioned whether it was truly as successful as many claimed.

Despite the PKTT’s claim of success, Sabir argued that their work was far from effective, with a significant number of unresolved cases.

Alleged Connections to Buzzy Matlala
One of the key issues that Sabir has been forced to address is the alleged connection between him and Buzzy Matlala, a controversial figure involved in tender corruption.

Sabir has vehemently denied any association with Matlala, dismissing the claims as baseless.

He acknowledged that his name had been mentioned in some alleged WhatsApp conversations involving Matlala, but he clarified that he was not part of these discussions and had no involvement in any criminal activities linked to Matlala.

The allegations concerning Sabir’s connection to Matlala have been a focal point in his testimony, with evidence leaders and commissioners expected to press him on these claims during cross-examination.

Sabir’s defense is that while his name may have appeared in messages, he had no knowledge of these conversations or any criminal activities related to Matlala.

Addressing the National Commissioner’s Role
Sabir also commented on the role of the National Commissioner in the disbandment of the PKTT, noting that the decision to dismantle the unit was not solely his.

He explained that the National Commissioner had directed him to carry out the disbandment and had fully supported the move.

Sabir made it clear that he was not responsible for the disbandment decision but had acted on the instructions of his superior.

He also pointed out that General Muanazi, who had been closely involved with the PKTT, had never raised any objections to the decision.

Sabir was adamant that the disbandment of the PKTT was not a result of any personal or political vendetta against the unit but rather a necessary step to address its failings.

He emphasized that the decision was in line with the broader efforts to reform the police force and ensure that resources were allocated more effectively.

The Political Dimensions of Sabir’s Defense
Throughout his testimony, Sabir repeatedly emphasized the political nature of the accusations against him.

He suggested that his enemies within the MK party were using the allegations to advance their own political agenda, targeting him as a way to undermine the police force and the government.

He claimed that the MK party was using his position within the police service as a tool to further their own political goals.

Sabir also spoke about the impact of political interference on the functioning of the police force.

He expressed concern that political factions were interfering in police investigations, particularly in sensitive cases such as the investigation into the kidnapping of Jerusha Shoha.

Sabir argued that the involvement of political parties in law enforcement decisions had a detrimental effect on the independence and integrity of the police service.

Reflections on His Career and Future
As Sabir continued his testimony, he reflected on his career and the challenges he had faced throughout the investigation.

He expressed frustration at the legal battles and the constant scrutiny he had been under, noting that he had been subjected to multiple investigations, including those by the Madlanga Commission.

Sabir’s defense highlighted the toll that these ongoing legal battles had taken on his career and personal life, as he continued to fight the allegations against him.

Despite the pressure, Sabir remained resolute in his defense, insisting that he had always acted in the best interest of the police force and the country.

He stressed that he had no involvement in any corrupt activities and had always upheld the law.

He acknowledged the challenges within the police service but remained committed to ensuring that justice was served and that the police force remained accountable.

A Complex Case with Political Overtones
Shadrach Sabir’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has shed light on the complexities surrounding his alleged involvement in corruption and political manipulation.

As the case unfolds, it is clear that the situation is more than just a legal battle – it is a reflection of the deep political divides within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.

Sabir’s defense centers on the idea that he has been unfairly targeted by political forces seeking to use his position to further their own agenda.

As the investigation continues, the public will be watching closely to see how the case develops and whether Sabir can successfully clear his name.