Full Breakdown
Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya Resigns Amid Corruption and Sexual-Offense Allegations
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Suspended deputy national police commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya submitted his resignation on Monday, just as a disciplinary hearing was set to begin. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the resignation was treated as a dishonourable discharge because disciplinary proceedings were pending. Sibiya remains in custody on separate criminal charges of rape and sexual grooming involving two teenage girls. His bail application has been postponed, and he is expected to appear before the Randburg magistrate’s court next week.
Background & Context
Sibiya’s resignation comes amid a broader inquiry into alleged corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, chaired by retired Judge Mbuyiseni Madlanga, has heard accusations that Sibiya received large sums of cash and gifts from alleged criminals and that he interfered with police investigations. Specific claims include instructions to remove 121 dockets from the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in KwaZulu-Natal and alleged ties to businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala. Sibiya denied all allegations during his testimony before the commission.
Official Statements & Responses
The service confirmed that Sibiya’s contract was terminated with immediate effect and that his resignation ends his career in the police.
Legal Proceedings
In the criminal matter, investigators allege Sibiya lured the teenage victims to a Sandton strip club under false pretences, providing food and alcohol, and later suggested they change their clothing. During the bail hearing, Sibiya’s defence lawyer, Advocate Amanda Nel, challenged the age of the complainants and disputed the location of the arrest, arguing it occurred in a restaurant rather than the club. The court has delayed a decision on bail until the following day.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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 dishonorable discharge,” — Mathe. Sibiya, national police commissioner
- “The disciplinary hearing against Lt-Gen Sibiya sat this morning. His legal representative tendered his resignation immediately after the disciplinary proceedings had commenced,” — Athlenda Mathe, police spokesperson