THE LOWLY NEWSPAPERMAN: Sibiya and Selebi — two very different paths to power and disgrace

Shadrack Sibiya and Jackie Selebi were two very different men who entered the ranks of law enforcement and faced disgrace at the end of their careers. Selebi, a stalwart of the liberation struggle, entered the police service to aid in the transformation of the apartheid police force. However, Sibiya began his career in the apartheid police force, believing he was simply fighting crime, unaware of the darker activities of the old SAP.

As Sibiya's career progressed post-apartheid, he demonstrated his ability to navigate political networks, securing high-ranking positions within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Known for his cunning, he climbed the ranks, accumulating accolades and rewards for his perceived contributions to the fight against corruption. However, his integrity began to wane as he became entangled with the criminal underworld, receiving favors and living a luxurious lifestyle at the expense of the force he was meant to lead.

Despite being dismissed during Thabo Mbeki's presidency, Sibiya rebounded and found work as head of the anti-corruption unit in Johannesburg. This appointment drew praise from the city's mayor, who believed in Sibiya's no-fear approach. However, corruption continued to plague his career, ultimately leading to his reinstatement through a Labour Court victory and his rise once again under Bheki Cele's leadership.

Throughout his career, Sibiya's character and motivations remain uncertain. His allegations of sexual misconduct and his penchant for certain eateries paint a picture of a man plagued by personal issues. Contemplating the potential paths his career could have taken, it's unnerving to imagine Sibiya at the helm of the Hawks or even as national commissioner, positions that would have placed him in an extremely powerful position within the police force.