Shadrach Sabir Denies Allegations of Corruption and Political Manipulation
Shadrach Sabir, the suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today, asserting that he had been targeted by the MK party as part of a political plot to damage his reputation.

The allegations against him, Sabir claimed, were orchestrated by political forces aiming to undermine his career.

Throughout his testimony, Sabir defended his actions and denied any involvement in criminal activities or corruption.

MK Party Allegedly Behind Attacks on Sabir’s Reputation
Sabir began his testimony by claiming that the MK party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, was behind efforts to discredit him.

He accused the party of using the criminal justice system to target him, particularly citing the involvement of General Mkhwanazi, who had made explosive statements alleging that certain parts of the criminal justice system in KwaZulu-Natal had been captured by drug cartels and corrupt businessmen.

Sabir argued that the MK party had been politicizing the police force, turning it into a tool to attack him personally.

According to Sabir, the MK party’s actions were not just limited to making public accusations but also involved direct threats.

He recalled hearing messages from the streets and receiving threatening TikTok messages warning him not to go against General Mkhwanazi, suggesting there would be dire consequences if he did.

Sabir claimed that these attacks were part of a larger effort to tarnish his name and weaken his position within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Defending His Role in the PKTT Disbandment
One of the key issues Sabir addressed during his testimony was his involvement in the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

Sabir vehemently denied any personal involvement in the decision to disband the unit, asserting that he was simply carrying out orders from the National Police Commissioner, General Masimula, who had directed him to implement the disbandment after the police minister issued the formal letter on December 31st, 2024.

Sabir claimed that his actions were in line with the broader need for reform and restructuring within the police force.

However, Sabir was critical of the PKTT’s performance, stating that the unit had not lived up to its purported success.

He revealed that many of the dockets that the PKTT had been working on remained unresolved, with some dating back as far as 2017.

He painted a picture of a task force that had failed to address the backlog of cases and had not made significant progress on its investigations.

Denying Links to Buzzy Matlala
A central part of Sabir’s defense was his adamant denial of any connection to Buzzy Matlala, a businessman linked to tender corruption.

Sabir rejected the idea that he had any association with Matlala, stressing that he had never been involved in any criminal activities associated with him.

Although Sabir’s name was allegedly mentioned in WhatsApp conversations between Matlala and other individuals, he denied participating in these discussions or having any knowledge of their contents.

Sabir further clarified that the messages referencing him were part of a broader conversation between Matlala and another individual, and that he had no knowledge of the alleged crimes discussed in those messages.

He expressed concern over the authenticity and reliability of the alleged messages, questioning how they were obtained and whether their integrity had been preserved.

Sabir emphasized that any attempt to use these messages as evidence against him was misleading and unfair.

Addressing the National Commissioner’s Role
Sabir also discussed the role of the National Police Commissioner in the disbandment of the PKTT.

He confirmed that the National Commissioner had instructed him to carry out the disbandment, but he stressed that he had not made the decision independently.

Sabir made it clear that the National Commissioner was fully aware of the situation and had supported the disbandment of the unit as part of efforts to restructure and improve the efficiency of the police service.

Sabir further noted that General Mkhwanazi, who had been involved with the PKTT, had never raised any objections to the disbandment.

He suggested that Mkhwanazi had been complicit in the failure of the PKTT to effectively carry out its duties, and that the decision to disband the unit was necessary in light of its lack of progress on key investigations.

Political Interference and Selective Accountability
Throughout his testimony, Sabir emphasized the political nature of the allegations against him.

He argued that political forces, particularly the MK party, were using the accusations to undermine his position and distract from the real issues facing the police force.

Sabir expressed concern about the role of politics in the functioning of law enforcement, particularly in the investigation of sensitive cases like the Jerusha Shoha kidnapping.

He claimed that political interference had compromised the independence of the police and had led to a failure to hold senior officials accountable for misconduct.

Sabir also pointed to the selective application of accountability standards within the SAPS.

He noted that while he faced intense scrutiny and disciplinary hearings, other senior officials, including General Mkhwanazi, had been allowed to remain in their positions despite serious allegations of misconduct.

Sabir’s defense highlighted what he saw as a double standard within the police service, where some individuals were protected from accountability while others, like himself, were targeted.

Reflections on His Career and Legal Battles
As Sabir continued his testimony, he reflected on the toll that the legal battles and investigations had taken on his career.

He described the constant pressure and the emotional strain of facing multiple legal challenges, including those brought by the Madlanga Commission, the Hawks, and the Public Protector.

Sabir expressed frustration at being repeatedly investigated over issues that had already been resolved and cleared in previous investigations.

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

He reaffirmed his commitment to law enforcement and his belief that he had been unfairly targeted by political forces.

Sabir acknowledged the need for reform within the police service but maintained that he had not been involved in any criminal activities or corrupt conduct.

A Political Power Struggle Within the SAPS
Shadrach Sabir’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has raised important questions about the intersection of politics and law enforcement in South Africa.

Sabir’s defense suggests that his career has been undermined by political forces seeking to exploit his position for their own gain.

As the case continues, it remains to be seen whether Sabir can clear his name and restore his reputation within the police service.