President Cyril Ramaphosa has voiced concern over National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola’s decision to reassign 121 criminal dockets from the office of suspended deputy commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya. The move has sparked widespread debate about transparency and accountability within the leadership of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Sibiya, who was suspended earlier this year over alleged misconduct, had been handling several high-profile investigations. Reports emerged that Masemola ordered the transfer of the cases to other divisions, raising questions about procedure and fairness. Speaking at a media briefing, Ramaphosa said that while the commissioner has the authority to act, the sensitive nature of the dockets required full justification. He stressed that public trust depends on the police maintaining integrity and avoiding even the perception of interference in investigations. The president has requested a detailed report from Masemola to clarify the reasons for the decision.
Through his lawyers, Sibiya has contested both his suspension and the removal of the cases, arguing that the actions are politically motivated and undermine the investigations he was leading. His claims have intensified scrutiny of SAPS leadership at a time of heightened political tension.
Civil society has also weighed in, with the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution warning that mishandling criminal dockets risks damaging confidence in the justice system. Observers say the reassignment of cases without clear explanation fuels suspicion of political interference.
SAPS has not yet released a comprehensive statement, though officials suggest the move was intended to maintain continuity in investigations during Sibiya’s suspension. Ramaphosa has pledged to engage urgently with Masemola and Police Minister Bheki Cele to ensure the credibility of law enforcement is safeguarded.