Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has resigned from the South African Police Service (SAPS) while facing disciplinary proceedings linked to allegations of corruption and misconduct.
The SAPS confirmed on Monday, that Sibiya’s employment had been terminated with immediate effect after his legal representative tendered his resignation shortly after his disciplinary hearing began.
The police said his departure would be regarded as a dishonourable discharge because he had an ongoing disciplinary case against him at the time of his resignation.
“The disciplinary hearing against Lieutenant General Sibiya sat this morning, during which his legal representative tendered his resignation immediately after the disciplinary proceedings had commenced,” SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.
The resignation marks a major development in the career of the former deputy national commissioner for crime detection, who has been under investigation following allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Madlanga Commission allegations
Sibiya’s disciplinary proceedings stem from allegations aired at the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The commission heard allegations concerning Sibiya’s interactions with controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who has been linked to alleged criminal networks.
Among the allegations are that Sibiya received money and gifts from Matlala, including claims involving 20 impalas. He has also been accused of improperly handling confidential police information and interfering in sensitive investigations.
These allegations have placed the senior police officer under scrutiny over his relationships with individuals suspected of criminal activity and the possible influence of criminal networks within law enforcement.
President Cyril Ramaphosa noted recommendations in the commission’s second interim report in August 2026, including a recommendation that disciplinary proceedings be instituted against Sibiya and that alleged criminal conduct be investigated.
Sibiya has denied the allegations against him. The claims raised at the commission should not be treated as proven criminal conduct.
Suspended since 2025
Sibiya was placed on special leave in July 2025 and formally suspended in September that year as scrutiny of allegations against him intensified.
His disciplinary hearing was previously postponed from 5 October to 12 October to allow him additional time to consult his legal representatives.
He had also approached the Labour Court in an attempt to halt the internal disciplinary proceedings. The labour dispute was separate from the SAPS disciplinary process.
Separate criminal case
The resignation comes as Sibiya faces a separate criminal case in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
He was arrested on 21 September 2026 and faces criminal charges that include rape, human trafficking and the alleged sexual grooming of a minor. The allegations include claims involving a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman.
Sibiya has denied the criminal allegations and remains subject to court proceedings. His bail application is expected to continue on Tuesday, 13 October.
His resignation from the police service does not, in itself, resolve the criminal case, which remains separate from the internal disciplinary proceedings.
The police have confirmed that Sibiya is no longer an employee of the service, effective Monday, 12 October 2026.
