The South African Police Service has confirmed that the disciplinary proceedings against suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya are proceeding, despite his legal team’s separate application before the Labour Court.
SAPS told journalists that Sibiya’s disciplinary hearing was heard on Monday, with his request for a postponement granted to allow him additional time to consult his legal representatives.
The matter has now been postponed to 12 October 2026.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the disciplinary process and the Labour Court proceedings were separate matters and had been running in parallel.
“The disciplinary hearing was heard today, with the Applicant’s request for a postponement granted. The matter has been postponed to 12 October 2026 to allow him an opportunity to consult with his legal representatives in preparation for the hearing,” Mathe said.
The development follows a request from Sibiya’s legal team last Friday for the disciplinary proceedings to be postponed.
During his bail proceedings at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, Sibiya’s lawyer, advocate Estelle Killian, said the defence was preparing an application for a postponement because Sibiya was not in a position to proceed with the hearing.
She said if the postponement was not granted, the defence would approach the Labour Court for a directive.
The disciplinary proceedings relate to allegations arising from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which has been examining allegations of criminal and political interference in the police service.
Sibiya was served with notice of the disciplinary proceedings while he was being held in the cells at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on 29 September.
At the time, SAPS confirmed that the hearing had been scheduled for 5 October and said arrangements would be made with correctional services if Sibiya remained in custody.
Sibiya remains in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria while he awaits the outcome of his bail application in a separate criminal case.
He faces charges including rape, sexual grooming of a minor and human trafficking. His bail application was postponed last Friday to 7 October.
Meanwhile, Sibiya has also approached the Labour Court in an urgent application seeking relief relating to the disciplinary proceedings.
Mathe said the Labour Court matter was heard on Monday but had been adjourned to allow SAPS to file its opposing papers and for Sibiya to file his replying affidavit before the matter can be heard.
“The Labour Court matter remains sub judice, and SAPS will therefore refrain from commenting on the merits of the matter,” Mathe said.
The Labour Court application does not mean the internal disciplinary process has been halted, with SAPS making clear that the two proceedings are separate.
The disciplinary allegations stem from evidence and allegations that emerged during the Madlanga Commission. Sibiya has previously denied allegations against him.
The commission heard allegations concerning Sibiya’s alleged relationships with figures linked to the criminal underworld, including disgruntled businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. The allegations include claims about money and other benefits allegedly received by Sibiya, which he has disputed.
Sibiya was suspended in September 2025 following allegations of misconduct, with the disciplinary process coming after investigations into matters raised before the commission.
The internal hearing is now scheduled to resume on 12 October, while the Labour Court process continues separately.
