VEREENIGING – Allegations of possible interference in a criminal investigation have been raised involving the Station Commander of Vereeniging SAPS, Brigadier Sibongile Ndaba, prompting questions about the integrity of police processes and the need for independent oversight.

Information provided to Vaalweekblad alleges that Brigadier Ndaba may have taken an active interest in an attempted murder case currently under investigation at Sebokeng Police Station. The suspect in that case is reportedly a former SAPS officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sena, who is said to have a long-standing personal and professional relationship with Ndaba.

According to sources, Brigadier Ndaba allegedly advised the suspect to lodge a formal complaint against the investigating officers, reportedly on the basis that the investigation was not progressing in his favour due to his former status as a police officer. These claims have not been independently verified.

Further allegations suggest that Brigadier Ndaba approached a female investigating officer at an end-of-year function, where she allegedly confronted the officer about her handling of the case. It is claimed that this interaction was unsolicited and caused concern for the investigator, who subsequently reported the matter to her station commander at Sebokeng SAPS.

Sources allege that Brigadier Ndaba has no official role, mandate, or investigative authority in relation to the case in question, and that her alleged involvement may be linked solely to her personal relationship with the suspect. No documentary evidence supporting or refuting these claims has yet been made public.

Legal commentators consulted by this publication caution that any direct or indirect attempt by a senior officer to influence an ongoing criminal investigation — if proven — could undermine due process and public confidence in law enforcement. However, they stress that the allegations remain untested and that all parties are entitled to the presumption of innocence.

The allegations emerge amid broader public scrutiny of the South African Police Service, with oversight bodies repeatedly highlighting concerns around perceived interference, conflicts of interest, and abuse of authority within senior ranks.

The South African Police Service’s Gauteng provincial management and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) have been approached for comment on whether any formal complaints or internal investigations have been lodged in relation to these allegations. At the time of publication, no responses had been received.

*This is a developing story. Updates will be published as more information becomes available or once official responses are received.