Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is battling on two fronts to remain in the South African Police Service. He faces a disciplinary process and a criminal case, with the Labour Court postponing his disciplinary hearing until 12 October. Sibiya is seeking bail on sexual-related charges and is due back in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 7 October. The disciplinary hearing will determine his future in SAPS, while the criminal case may see him face jail time.
The sexual offences case against Sibiya includes six charges, such as rape, human trafficking, and negligent handling of a firearm. He remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility after the state raised concerns about his potential escape. Sibiya’s lawyer, advocate Estelle Killian, informed the court that the defence is preparing an application to postpone the disciplinary process due to Sibiya’s current situation.
The Madlanga Commission, investigating corruption and political interference in the police, has levelled allegations against Sibiya. These include ordering the removal of 121 case dockets from the Political Killings Task Team after the arrest of alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Sibiya has conceded to meeting Matlala, who sought assistance with his R360-million Medicare24 contract, amid allegations of irregularity.
Further allegations before the commission claim that Sibiya received regular payments from Mpumalanga taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi. However, Sibiya has denied wrongdoing, accusing the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team of targeting him as part of internal battles in the police. The disciplinary proceedings, examining allegations of complicity with criminal networks, continue despite Sibiya’s criminal case.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the disciplinary process had not been halted. Limpopo provincial commissioner Jan Scheepers will preside over the disciplinary process, which is scheduled to run from 2 to 6 November and again from 10 to 20 November. Sibiya faces three separate disciplinary notices in the SAPS, relating to different sets of allegations.
The SAPS had initially planned to hold the hearing at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria if Sibiya remained in custody. Mathe stated that the SAPS could not comment on the merits of the Labour Court proceedings, as the matter is sub judice. The disciplinary hearing and labour court proceedings are separate matters running in parallel.
Sibiya’s future in SAPS and his freedom hang in the balance, as the disciplinary process and criminal case unfold. The two cases examine allegations linked to criminal networks and determine whether Sibiya will remain behind bars as the prosecution proceeds. The outcome of these cases will significantly impact Sibiya’s career and personal life.
Key points
- Sibiya faces a disciplinary hearing and a criminal case that may see him face jail time.
- The Madlanga Commission has levelled allegations against Sibiya, including complicity with criminal networks.
- Sibiya’s future in SAPS and his freedom are at stake, as the disciplinary process and criminal case continue.
