Sibiya quits as hearing starts, SAPS calls exit dishonourable
PRETORIA — Shadrack Sibiya resigned from the South African Police Service shortly after his disciplinary hearing began on Monday, ending his employment while misconduct allegations remained pending. SAPS has classified the former deputy national commissioner’s departure as a dishonourable discharge because he left during an ongoing disciplinary case.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Sibiya’s legal representative tendered the resignation immediately after proceedings commenced. His employment ended with immediate effect. The police announcement confirms his departure and its classification, but does not announce a completed disciplinary finding on the allegations against him. SAPS terminates Shadrack Sibiya’s employment
The hearing concerned alleged misconduct arising from evidence examined by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating alleged criminal infiltration, corruption and interference in the criminal justice system. Sibiya faced seven disciplinary charges, according to the Sowetan, including allegations concerning his dealings with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, confidential police information and interference in investigations.
The commission has heard allegations that Sibiya received money and gifts from Matlala, including impalas. Questions have also been raised about the handling of 121 case dockets transferred from the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team to Gauteng. Sibiya has denied wrongdoing, including the allegation that he received the animals. These claims remain allegations rather than established criminal findings.
Monday’s proceedings followed a postponement granted on 5 October to allow Sibiya to consult his legal representatives. He had also approached the Labour Court in a separate challenge. Mathe said at the time that the disciplinary hearing and court proceedings were distinct matters running in parallel.
His resignation changes his employment status while a separate criminal case continues in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court. Sibiya was arrested on 21 September and faces charges including rape, human trafficking and sexual grooming. The state alleges that the offences involved an 18-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl. He denies the allegations and has not been convicted.
Sibiya remains in custody, with his bail application expected to resume on Tuesday, 13 October. Leaving SAPS does not dispose of that case or determine the truth of evidence presented to the commission. The employment decision, criminal proceedings and inquiry concern separate processes with different outcomes still to be established.
The departure follows an earlier dismissal from SAPS in 2015 over allegations relating to the rendition of Zimbabwean nationals. Sibiya challenged that dismissal, and the Labour Court subsequently ordered his reinstatement after finding procedural unfairness. He also headed Johannesburg’s municipal forensic investigation unit before returning to national policing in 2023 as deputy national commissioner for crime detection.
For SAPS, Monday’s announcement removes a suspended senior officer from its ranks while leaving the underlying accountability questions unresolved. The immediate next development is Sibiya’s bail hearing, where the court must decide whether he should remain detained while the criminal case proceeds.
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