Sibiya’s two-front war to remain in the SAPS and out of jail

The South African Police Service (Saps) maintains its commitment to proceeding with disciplinary hearings against suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, despite mounting legal challenges. Reports initially suggested that disciplinary proceedings were halted on October 5, 2026, following Sibiya's legal team's urgent Labour Court application.

However, Saps spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathen clarified that both the disciplinary and Labour Court proceedings are separate matters, with the disciplinary hearing having been postponed to October 12, 2026. Sibiya, 59, is accused of corruption and misconduct linked to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which probes criminal and political interference in the police service.

Additionally, he faces allegations of connection to Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, a figure central to a growing scandal. Legal difficulties continue to pile up for Sibiya, with his legal team informing him of an extra disciplinary notice. This emerged during his bail proceedings at the Randburg Magistrate's Court on October 1, 2026, where Sibiya's attorney, Rashaad Moosa, also revealed a firearm-related charge against his client, stemming from an alleged firearm found in his vehicle during his arrest.

Sibiya now confronts three separate disciplinary notices within Saps, with proceedings scheduled for November 2-6, 2026, and again between November 10-20.