A bitter war of words has erupted between South Africa’s top police officials, with Deputy National Commissioner Lt. Gen. Shadrack Sibiya accusing KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of creating unnecessary drama and acting “like a warlord.”
The explosive exchange follows Mkhwanazi’s bombshell press conference on Sunday where he accused Sibiya and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering with police operations in the province. In a fiery response, Sibiya dismissed the claims as reckless and self-serving.
“You’re not a law unto yourself. You’re a policeman, not a warlord,” Sibiya fired back in a statement. “These public tantrums are unbecoming of a senior officer. If you have issues, follow proper channels – not press conferences.”
Sibiya defended his visit to KZN as routine oversight, stressing that all provincial commissioners are subject to national supervision. “No one is above the law,” he stated, accusing Mkhwanazi of sowing division in the police service.
The unprecedented public feud has exposed deep rifts in SAPS leadership, with sources revealing the Police Ministry is considering a formal investigation into the breakdown in relations.
Security experts warn the infighting could undermine public trust and hamper crime-fighting efforts, particularly in KZN where political violence remains a serious concern. As the standoff continues, all eyes are on whether Police Minister Mchunu will intervene to resolve the escalating conflict.