A controversial Polokwane businessman, who is the father of the 16-year-old girl who accused suspended SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of sexual grooming, is now himself under police investigation for allegedly insulting a police officer and for defamation.
Police in Limpopo have confirmed that two separate cases – Polokwane CAS 512/09/2026 and CAS 513/09/2026 – have been opened, and that investigations are at an advanced stage.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed to Africa Daily on Friday that the cases were registered last month following complaints laid by serving members.
“I can confirm that defamation cases have been opened. The dockets are under investigation. We are also investigating an additional charge of crimen injuria related to insulting a police officer in the execution of his duties,” Mathe said.
“The investigations are ongoing and will be taken to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision once completed.”
According to police sources familiar with the dockets, the first case, CAS 512/09/2026, relates to alleged defamatory statements made on social media platforms, where the businessman allegedly accused a senior officer of corruption without providing evidence.
The second case, CAS 513/09/2026, relates to an incident in which he allegedly insulted and swore at a uniformed officer during a heated exchange at the Polokwane police station.
Crimen injuria – the unlawful and intentional impairment of another person’s dignity – is a criminal offence in South Africa and is often used in cases where police officers are verbally abused while on duty.
The businessman, who could not be reached for comment despite numerous calls, is no stranger to controversy.
Originally from Polokwane, he has built a reputation as a flamboyant socialite and self-styled businessman, often described in tabloids for his high-profile relationships with local entertainers. But behind the flashy lifestyle is a long history of legal troubles.
In recent years he has faced allegations ranging from defrauding the Matlosana Municipality of R1.8 million – a case that saw him arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Unit – to a commercial banking fraud complaint laid by Standard Bank over alleged financial irregularities.
His name resurfaced in February 2026 after a viral TikTok video showed him alongside Sibiya, sparking intense public scrutiny at a time when SAPS was already under the spotlight at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The Commission has heard testimony about alleged rogue operations within SAPS involving private figures, notably tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, which led to widespread social media confusion.
The businessman publicly addressed the viral video via TimesLIVE at the time, stating there was “nothing sinister” about his relationship with Sibiya.
He said he had known Sibiya for more than a decade as a “brother and father figure” and that his private security company, Intelligence-Led Protection Trusted, officially renders security services to Sibiya’s family.
That defence is now complicated by his daughter’s case.
The 16-year-old accused Sibiya of sexual grooming earlier this year, an allegation that triggered a separate internal SAPS investigation and added to the pressure that eventually saw Sibiya suspended. The businessman positioned himself publicly as a protective father seeking justice.
Police sources now claim the businessman is facing a second, potentially more serious investigation – for allegedly being in possession of three different identity documents bearing his name but with different ID numbers.
Africa Daily asked Brigadier Mathe whether fraud charges are expected in connection with the alleged multiple IDs.
“We are investigating allegations of fraud and possession of multiple identity documents. An inquiry was opened and statements have been obtained from Home Affairs. Once verification is complete, the docket will be sent for prosecutorial guidance,” Mathe said.
“He is not just a businessman. He presents himself as someone with deep connections inside SAPS, and those connections have now become a subject of two separate criminal investigations,” a senior police source in Limpopo told Africa Daily on condition of anonymity.
Attempts to get comment from his legal representative were unsuccessful at the time of publication. His phone rang unanswered and WhatsApp messages were not returned.
Police say both defamation dockets and the fraud inquiry are expected to be finalised before the end of next month.
“People must allow the investigation to unfold without fear or favour. No one is above the law,” Mathe said.
