SAPS Denies Shadrack Sibiya Disciplinary Proceedings Have Been Halted

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya attended an internal disciplinary hearing held at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre on Monday while the South African Police Service denied claims that proceedings halted, confirming the defense secured a postponement to consult legal counsel.

Sibiya Faces Prison Tribunal As Defense Secures Delay

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the department served disciplinary papers directly to Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya in holding cells on Tuesday morning prior to the proceedings.

Because Sibiya remains in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria, arrangements were made for the tribunal to take place within the prison facility itself. The expeditious internal investigation falls under Regulation 9 due to the severity of the corruption allegations leveled against the senior officer. The disciplinary proceedings against the suspended deputy national police commissioner have since been postponed to 12 October 2026.

“We can confirm that the member in question has been served with a notice to attend a disciplinary hearing on October 5 on allegations arising from the Madlanga Commission inquiry.”

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, SAPS Spokesperson

Commission Triggers Three Separate Administrative Notices

The departmental charges originate from recommendations made by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating criminal and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system. The commission was recently granted an extension to March next year.

SAPS Denies Shadrack Sibiya Disciplinary Proceedings Have Been Halted — Photo: IOL

Professor Nirmala Gopal, an academic leader in the School of Applied Human Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, noted that the pattern of abuse, misconduct, and negligence necessitates a thorough evaluation of the structures that allow such behaviours to flourish under the guise of authority.

The first notice concerns allegations of moving KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team dockets to Pretoria, with a hearing scheduled for November.
The second notice addresses matters emerging directly from the Madlanga Commission inquiry, chaired by Limpopo SAPS provincial commissioner Jan Scheepers.
The third notice relates to the criminal charges currently before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, for which no hearing date has yet been fixed.

Legal Team Files Labour Court Interdict Against Police Service

During a court appearance on Friday, defense counsel Advocate Estelle Killian SC informed the bench that her client required additional time to prepare. She indicated to the court that the defence intends to apply for a postponement of the disciplinary hearing, stating that her client was not in a position to proceed with the hearing.

Suspended deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya’s disciplinary hearing proceeded on Monday, with his request for a — Photo: News24

Although the South African Police Service confirmed that the hearing went ahead on Monday, Sibiya’s request for a postponement was granted by the presiding officer to allow consultation with his legal team. In parallel with the internal proceedings, Sibiya’s lawyers launched an urgent application in the Labour Court to interdict the disciplinary process entirely.

Sibiya Denies Six Criminal Counts During Bail Application

The internal administrative actions unfold against the backdrop of grave criminal charges. Sibiya faces six criminal counts before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, including rape, sexual grooming of a minor, human trafficking, and the negligent handling of a firearm.

Testifying during his bail hearings, Sibiya maintained that the charges are trumped up to force his removal from the police service. The Commission Recommendations Task Team, which investigated the matter, maintains it holds strong evidence supporting the prosecution. Meanwhile, the bail application itself was postponed following cross-examination of the investigating officer, leaving Sibiya detained at Kgosi Mampuru II prison ahead of the disciplinary inquiry resuming on 12 October 2026.