Suspended deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya has resigned from the South African Police Service (SAPS) with immediate effect, with police classifying his departure as a dishonourable discharge because disciplinary proceedings were ongoing.
Sibiya tendered his resignation on Monday, shortly after his internal disciplinary hearing began. His legal representative submitted the resignation letter during the proceedings, according to SAPS.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Sibiya’s employment with the service had been terminated.
“As the former senior officer had an ongoing disciplinary case against him at the time of his resignation, his departure from the Service is therefore regarded as a dishonourable discharge,” Mathe said.
Disciplinary charges linked to Madlanga Commission
Sibiya was facing several disciplinary charges arising from matters raised by the Madlanga Commission.
These included allegations concerning the removal of 121 case dockets from the Political Killing Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal and their transfer to Pretoria.
He was initially placed on special leave in July and suspended in September as allegations against him continued to be examined.
A dishonourable discharge means his departure will not be treated as an ordinary resignation. The allegations underlying the disciplinary proceedings have not, by themselves, established guilt.
Separate criminal case continues
Sibiya remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria following his arrest on separate charges involving rape and grooming of a minor.
The state has opposed his bail application, reportedly citing concerns that he could interfere with the case or threaten witnesses. These are allegations and remain subject to the court process.
His resignation from SAPS does not resolve the separate criminal proceedings.
His bail matter is scheduled to be heard at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, according to the information provided.
The development marks the end of Sibiya’s employment with the police service while questions raised in the disciplinary process and his separate criminal case remain before the relevant authorities.
