Bishop Maumela Apologises, Withdraws Remarks After Sibiya Court Appearance
Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela has apologised and unreservedly withdrawn remarks he made to the media following Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya’s first court appearance.
In a statement, Maumela said he had reflected on his comments and received advice from people who engaged with him, leading him to acknowledge that he should have handled the matter with greater sensitivity, particularly because the case involves a minor.
He withdrew his statements and allegations, including his remarks concerning President Cyril Ramaphosa, law enforcement agencies and the Madlanga Commission.
Maumela also said he did not intend to threaten, harm or intimidate anyone and accepted full responsibility for how he handled his engagement with the media.
“I sincerely apologise for my conduct,” he said.
He further pledged to refrain from making additional public comments on the matter and said he would allow the appropriate legal processes to take their course.
The apology follows comments Maumela made outside the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he described Sibiya as a long-time friend and a “child of God”.
Maumela alleged that Sibiya’s arrest was linked to an internal succession battle over who would become the next National Police Commissioner. He claimed that police had also been at the home of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu with a search-and-seizure warrant around the same time as the operation involving Sibiya.
He questioned why police leadership was allegedly focused on the succession battle while nine people had been killed in Ekurhuleni, saying police should instead be addressing crime.
Maumela also referred to comments made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July 2025, claiming it had been made clear that Sibiya should not become National Police Commissioner.
He further questioned whether Sibiya, who had already been suspended and subjected to scrutiny, would commit the offences he is now accused of.
Maumela also warned that if President Cyril Ramaphosa did not intervene, “we are going to retaliate”, while acc