Former Gauteng police head, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, has dismissed allegations that he was involved in the deletion of criminal records belonging to Stuart Scharnick James, insisting that the claims are a coordinated attempt to destroy his reputation and derail his possible appointment as National Police Commissioner.
Speaking in a firm tone, Sibiya said he had “never deleted the criminal records of Stuart Scharnick James,” suggesting instead that an internal faction within the police service could be behind the disappearance of the records.
“What if PKTT deleted them instead, and now they are casting aspersions to make South Africans view me as a criminal, jeopardizing my chances to become a National Police Commissioner?” Sibiya said.
The decorated officer, known for his role in high-profile investigations including corruption and organized crime, said the accusations were not only false but politically motivated. He argued that certain individuals within the Police Knowledge and Technology Task Team (PKTT) may be attempting to shift blame to discredit him ahead of the anticipated leadership reshuffle in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Sources within the police hierarchy confirmed that an internal probe was underway to determine how the records of Scharnick James—an individual previously convicted of fraud and money laundering—were erased from the national database. The missing records reportedly came to light during a routine audit by the crime intelligence unit.
Sibiya emphasized his clean track record and longstanding commitment to law enforcement, saying he would never compromise the integrity of the police service for personal or political gain.
“My career has been built on accountability and justice. It is deeply disturbing that false allegations are being weaponized to destroy what I have worked for over three decades,” he said.
Public reaction to the allegations has been mixed, with some South Africans expressing concern over the possibility of internal sabotage within SAPS, while others called for a transparent investigation to restore public trust.
The SAPS communications department has not yet issued an official statement regarding the claims, though insiders suggest the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) may be asked to intervene.
As the probe unfolds, Sibiya maintains his innocence and says he will fully cooperate with investigators. “I have nothing to hide,” he added, “and I welcome any process that will bring the truth to light.”
If found to be innocent, Sibiya’s name could be cleared in time for consideration in the upcoming national police leadership appointments.
