The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the postponement of disciplinary proceedings against suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya. The hearing, initially set to address matters from the Madlanga Commission, has been rescheduled to October 12, 2026. Sibiya's legal team had filed an urgent court application seeking to stop the disciplinary proceedings.
Sibiya is currently in custody, facing six criminal charges, including rape, sexual grooming of a minor, human trafficking, and negligent handling of a firearm. His legal team had sought to have the disciplinary proceedings postponed, citing the need for more time to consult with their client. The Madlanga Commission had previously recommended disciplinary action against Sibiya.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the disciplinary hearing had been postponed. She stated that the disciplinary hearing and Labour Court proceedings are separate matters running in parallel. Mathe said the postponement was granted to allow Sibiya's legal team to consult with him in preparation for the hearing.
The urgent application before the Labour Court was also heard and adjourned to allow SAPS to file its opposing papers and allow Sibiya to file his Replying Affidavit. The Labour Court matter remains sub judice, and SAPS will refrain from commenting on the merits of the matter. This development is a significant step in the ongoing disciplinary and court processes involving Sibiya.
The Madlanga Commission's recommendations for disciplinary action against Sibiya were a significant factor in the initial scheduling of the disciplinary hearing. The commission's findings had raised concerns about Sibiya's conduct, leading to the decision to proceed with disciplinary action. The postponement does not affect the criminal charges against Sibiya.
Sibiya's case has garnered significant attention due to the severity of the charges against him. The postponement of the disciplinary hearing allows his legal team more time to prepare, ensuring a fair process. SAPS has confirmed that the disciplinary process will continue as scheduled on October 12, 2026.
The case against Sibiya involves multiple serious charges, and the postponement of the disciplinary hearing is a crucial development. The Labour Court proceedings will continue, with SAPS filing its opposing papers and Sibiya filing his Replying Affidavit. The outcome of both the disciplinary hearing and the Labour Court proceedings will have significant implications for Sibiya's future.
Key points
- The disciplinary hearing against Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya has been postponed to October 12, 2026.
- Sibiya faces six criminal charges, including rape and human trafficking.
- The Labour Court proceedings will continue, with SAPS and Sibiya's legal team preparing their respective papers.
