Deputy Minister of Police, Shela Paulina Boshielo, has revealed that she received a WhatsApp message from suspended Deputy National Commissioner responsible for crime detection, Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, regarding alleged spy equipment valued at approximately R30-million.
Boshielo disclosed this information amid ongoing scrutiny over Sibiya’s conduct and the management of sensitive police resources. According to the Deputy Minister, the message highlighted concerns about the acquisition and deployment of high-tech surveillance tools, which are reportedly under investigation for irregularities.
“This message from Lt-Gen Sibiya raised serious questions about accountability within the department and the handling of expensive equipment intended for crime detection,” Boshielo stated. She emphasized the importance of transparency and proper oversight when it comes to critical policing assets.
Lt-Gen Sibiya, who has been suspended from his duties pending investigations into alleged misconduct, reportedly reached out to Boshielo to alert her about the equipment, which some sources claim may have been procured under questionable circumstances. The Deputy Minister confirmed that she has forwarded the information to relevant authorities for further investigation.
The alleged spy equipment, valued at R30-million, is said to include high-tech surveillance and intelligence-gathering tools, though details about the exact nature and deployment of the devices remain undisclosed. Police oversight bodies and internal investigators are now expected to examine both the procurement process and the potential misuse of these resources.
The revelation adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding leadership and operational practices within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Public confidence in the department has been shaken in recent months due to allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and misuse of resources, prompting calls for stricter accountability measures.
Police Minister Bheki Cele has previously indicated that the department is committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring that all officers, regardless of rank, are held responsible for any wrongdoing. The current investigation into Sibiya and the alleged spy equipment is expected to form part of this broader effort.
No official comment has yet been made by Sibiya regarding the WhatsApp message or the allegations surrounding the R30-million equipment. Authorities have urged the public to allow investigations to proceed before drawing conclusions.