Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadack Sibiya's legal troubles have worsened with a new firearm charge and two additional disciplinary notices served on him while in custody. His lawyers argued that the firearm charge, related to a gun found in his possession on the day of his arrest, should have been included with the other charges rather than served separately. Sibiya is currently facing multiple charges, including rape, grooming a minor, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Sibiya was arrested following an investigation by the Commission's Recommendations Task Team, which is examining matters arising from the Madlanga Commission. His legal team told the court that he had been served with two further disciplinary notices while in custody, in addition to a notice issued earlier by the South African Police Service (SAPS). The details of the two additional notices are unclear, and Sibiya allegedly left one of the notices in his cell and could not recall the date of the disciplinary hearing.
SAPS confirmed that Sibiya would face an internal disciplinary hearing on October 5 over allegations arising from the Madlanga Commission inquiry. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Sibiya had been formally served with a notice while in police custody. The disciplinary hearing will be conducted on an expedited basis under Regulation 9, which applies to serious allegations, including corruption.
Sibiya is appearing before the Randburg Magistrate's Court, facing charges of rape, grooming a minor, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. The state alleges that he raped an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel on May 16 after she was allegedly given alcohol and became unconscious. He is also accused of grooming a 16-year-old girl via WhatsApp between July and August.
The state further alleges that Sibiya trafficked three people for sexual exploitation and possessed and distributed sexual images of a minor. Sibiya's lawyers have argued that the charges against him are part of a broader attempt to discredit him. His bail hearing is ongoing, with the state expected to continue presenting its case.
Sibiya has denied raping the 18-year-old woman, claiming that the sex was consensual. His legal team is expected to address the new firearm charge and additional disciplinary notices once they have obtained the relevant information. The case has raised concerns about the conduct of high-ranking police officials and the effectiveness of internal disciplinary processes.
The case against Sibiya will continue to unfold in the coming weeks, with the disciplinary hearing and bail application being key milestones. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for Sibiya's career and the broader South African Police Service. Sibiya's case has sparked widespread media attention and public debate about police accountability and the handling of sensitive cases within the SAPS.
Key points
- Shadack Sibiya faces a new firearm charge and additional disciplinary notices while in custody.
- Sibiya's disciplinary hearing is set for October 5, and his bail hearing is ongoing.
- The case against Sibiya has raised concerns about police accountability and the effectiveness of internal disciplinary processes.
