Bishop Maumela retracts statements about Ramaphosa and Madlanga Commission after Sibiya case

Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela has formally withdrawn a series of statements he made about President Cyril Ramaphosa, law-enforcement agencies and the Madlanga Commission following the arrest and court appearance of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya.

Maumela had previously spoken publicly in defence of Sibiya, whom he described as a close friend, even noting that he had dined with the officer on the night of his arrest. However, the Bishop has now issued an apology and retracted his comments, stating that he acted on the advice of others after his initial remarks drew significant attention.

I have decided to withdraw all my public statements regarding the President, the police, and the Madlanga Commission. I apologize for the remarks made and will no longer comment publicly on the case involving Shadrack Sibiya.

The Bishop confirmed that he will refrain from further public commentary on the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Sibiya, who is currently facing scrutiny regarding his conduct and allegations brought before the commission.