The South African Police Service (SAPS) has addressed a viral video showing a police officer making a gesture across his throat during the court appearance of deputy national police commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya. The clip, filmed on Monday, sparked widespread concern and speculation on social media. A man dressed in a blue suit was seen drawing his hand across his throat, prompting questions about the gesture's meaning. SAPS spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe confirmed the man was a police officer attached to a task team.
According to Mathe, the officer is part of the commission's recommendations task team (CRTT). The gesture, Mathe explained, was operational and intended to communicate with an investigating officer about the positioning of police personnel responsible for protecting prosecutors and investigators. The interaction related to coordinating and positioning SAPS personnel after court proceedings. Mathe emphasized that the gesture was neither a threat nor an attempt to interfere with proceedings.
The incident occurred during Sibiya's court appearance on Monday, September 29, 2026. The video of the gesture was widely circulated on social media, with many viewers expressing concern about the officer's actions. Mathe's statement on Tuesday provided context for the gesture, aiming to alleviate concerns and misinterpretations. She acknowledged that the gesture could be misinterpreted, especially when viewed without context.
Mathe revealed that the officer had since been reminded to exercise caution when communicating nonverbally, particularly in sensitive environments like courts. The warning was intended to ensure that gestures used by officers could not easily be misunderstood or interpreted out of context. This move aims to maintain public trust and ensure that police actions are transparent and understandable.
The CRTT task team, to which the officer belongs, plays a crucial role in implementing the commission's recommendations. The team is involved in various operational activities aimed at enhancing police service delivery and safety. The officer's gesture, although misinterpreted, was part of the team's operational communication.
SAPS has taken steps to address concerns and provide clarity on the incident. By confirming the officer's identity and explaining the gesture's context, the police service aims to maintain transparency and build trust with the public. The incident highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding within and outside the police service.
The viral video and subsequent clarification by SAPS underscore the challenges of communication in public spaces, especially in sensitive environments like courts. The incident serves as a reminder for police officers to be mindful of their actions and their potential impact on public perception. SAPS continues to work on maintaining public trust through transparent and clear communication.
Key points
- SAPS clarifies that the throat gesture made by an officer during Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya's court appearance was operational and not a threat.
- The gesture was intended to communicate with an investigating officer about police personnel positioning.
- SAPS has reminded officers to exercise caution in nonverbal communication, especially in sensitive environments.
