Businessman Imran Bat, who has accused suspended SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of being part of an alleged criminal network.
Businessman Imran Bat accuses Shadrack Sibiya of being part of an alleged criminal network, adding fresh pressure on the suspended SAPS Deputy National Commissioner. Bat says he is consulting the Madlanga Commission about testifying against Sibiya. The allegations come as Sibiya sits in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility. A Randburg court remanded him there on Monday, 22 September 2026.
Sibiya faces serious sexual offence charges separate from Bat’s allegations. The Randburg Magistrates Court denied him bail at his first appearance. The court ordered that he remain in custody until 29 September 2026. He faces charges of grooming a 16-year-old between July and August 2026. He also faces a charge of raping an 18-year-old at a Sandton hotel in May 2026. Sibiya denies the charges and is presumed innocent.
Furthermore, Bat’s decision to approach the Madlanga Commission places Sibiya at the centre of a second and separate line of investigation. The Madlanga Commission is a public inquiry. It examines how police actors and criminal networks allegedly infiltrated state intelligence, the judiciary, the police service, and the National Prosecuting Authority. Several witnesses have already named senior SAPS figures during testimony at the commission.
Imran Bat Accuses Shadrack Sibiya Amid Broader SAPS Probe
Bat has not yet confirmed whether the commission has formally accepted his offer to testify. He described himself as consulting with the commission. This suggests the process of engaging as a witness is still underway. However, his public statement signals that more allegations against Sibiya could emerge through formal channels in the weeks ahead.
In addition, Sibiya’s troubles extend beyond the Madlanga Commission and the sexual offence charges. On Monday, police raided Sibiya’s Centurion home simultaneously with a raid on the KwaZulu-Natal home of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Both raids took place under Johannesburg High Court search and seizure warrants. Investigators describe Sibiya and Mchunu as alleged allies. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola authorised both operations.
Moreover, Brigadier William Kunene listed Sibiya alongside Mchunu, businessman Brown Mogotsi, and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as suspects. The suspicion relates to alleged attempts to disband a provincial killings task team. Messages allegedly recovered from Matlala’s devices reportedly informed the basis for the raids. Mchunu, Sibiya, and Matlala all deny wrongdoing.
Madlanga Commission Testimony Could Deepen Case Against Sibiya
Mchunu’s suspension from the position of Police Minister dates to July 2025. President Cyril Ramaphosa placed him on special leave following allegations by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of political interference in police operations. He also claimed Mchunu aided the so-called “big five cartel.” Those allegations, combined with Bat’s latest statement, suggest the web of claims against figures connected to Sibiya continues to grow.
Sibiya’s supporter Lazarus Maumela dismissed the various allegations outside Randburg Magistrates Court on Monday. Maumela, who describes himself as Bishop Lawrence Maumela, claimed the charges and raids were the result of ANC succession battles within the SAPS. He argued the actions targeted Sibiya and Mchunu for political reasons rather than genuine criminal conduct. Investigators have not responded to that claim. All operations proceeded under valid legal authority.
Bat’s allegations against Sibiya have not yet formed part of any formal charge sheet. The Madlanga Commission has not yet confirmed whether it will call him as a witness. The commission continues to hear testimony as the broader investigation into alleged SAPS interference moves forward.