Suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has resigned from the South African Police Service (SAPS) during a disciplinary hearing, effectively ending his career in the police service. Sibiya was facing allegations of corruption and sexual offences, including rape and human trafficking. His resignation was tendered by his legal representative shortly after the disciplinary proceedings began.
Sibiya's resignation was confirmed by the SAPS on Monday, October 12, 2026, who stated that his employment had terminated with immediate effect. The SAPS also stated that Sibiya's departure would be regarded as a dishonourable discharge due to the ongoing disciplinary case against him at the time of his resignation. This development comes after Sibiya's arrest on September 21, 2026, on five criminal charges.
The charges against Sibiya include rape, human trafficking, and the sexual grooming of a child. The state alleges that he raped an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel and groomed a 16-year-old girl between May and August 2026. His bail application is ongoing, with a court appearance scheduled for October 13, 2026. Sibiya's resignation has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the SAPS.
Sibiya has been implicated in allegations of corruption and interference in police operations before the Madlanga commission. These allegations include receiving cash and improper gifts, leaked confidential police information, and irregularly removing 121 case dockets from the Political Killings Task Team. His departure from the SAPS follows a turbulent career marked by controversy and allegations of misconduct.
Sibiya was previously dismissed in 2015 over his alleged role in the illegal rendition of Zimbabwean nationals but was reinstated after a Labour Court ruling. He later served as the head of the city's Group Forensic and Investigation Services in Johannesburg before returning to national policing in 2023. Sibiya was promoted to lieutenant-general and served as deputy national commissioner for crime detection.
Sibiya's suspension in 2025 was prompted by allegations of complicity with criminal networks by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. His resignation has sparked concerns about the impact on the SAPS and the ongoing investigations into his alleged misconduct. The SAPS has confirmed that Sibiya's resignation has been processed, and he is no longer a member of the police service.
Sibiya's case has garnered significant attention due to the severity of the allegations against him. His resignation during the disciplinary hearing has raised questions about the accountability of senior police officials and the effectiveness of internal disciplinary processes. The SAPS has stated that it will continue to cooperate with investigations into Sibiya's alleged misconduct.
Key points
- Shadrack Sibiya resigned from the SAPS during a disciplinary hearing amid allegations of corruption and sexual offences.
- Sibiya faces five criminal charges, including rape, human trafficking, and sexual grooming of a child.
- His resignation was regarded as a dishonourable discharge due to the ongoing disciplinary case against him.
