“He had a problem with him ” — Masemola on Sibaya’s feud

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has revealed that suspended Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has had recurring conflicts with several senior officers since assuming his post. Masemola made the remarks while testifying before the parliamentary ad hoc committee, outlining a pattern of internal disputes that he said required his repeated intervention.

“If I may talk of General Sibiya, I think since he arrived, well, it’s quite a number of people that he encountered problems with. I kept on resolving those problems,” Masemola said.He went on to list several senior officers with whom Sibiya had clashed, highlighting how these tensions disrupted the smooth functioning of police leadership structures. “Firstly, he had a problem with General Zulu — I intervened. He had a problem with General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, not now, some time ago.

He had a problem with General Khumalo; I spent almost half a day resolving that problem,” Masemola added.His testimony paints a picture of persistent leadership strain within the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly among its top-ranking officials. Masemola’s comments suggest that internal rivalries and breakdowns in communication have hindered operational unity and morale within the police hierarchy.

The revelation comes at a time when SAPS is under growing scrutiny over leadership instability, political interference, and allegations of corruption. Sibiya, who was recently suspended, has been at the centre of several controversies — from internal power struggles to questions surrounding his conduct during high-profile investigations.

Analysts say Masemola’s remarks underscore the deep-rooted challenges within the police leadership, where mistrust and competing agendas often overshadow collective service delivery.Public reaction to Masemola’s testimony has been divided. Some believe his honesty shows a commitment to transparency, while others view it as further evidence of dysfunction at the top of SAPS.

As the parliamentary committee continues its hearings, more revelations are expected to surface about the ongoing power battles within the police service.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story — and remember to like, comment, share, and follow for the latest news on South Africa’s policing and political affairs.