South Africa: Police Call Sibiya's Exit 'Dishonourable' As He Quits Amid Disciplinary Proceedings

What the report says

South African police say former senior officer Shadrack Sibiya has left the South African Police Service after resigning just as his disciplinary hearing began. According to SAPS, his lawyer submitted the resignation once proceedings started, and his employment ended immediately. Police described the departure as a dishonourable discharge because the resignation came while a disciplinary case was still active.

The hearing was linked to allegations arising from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The article says Sibiya had already been placed on special leave in July 2025 and suspended in September 2025. He was formally notified of the hearing on 29 September, with an initial date of 5 October before it was moved to 12 October after he sought time to consult his lawyers. He also approached the Labour Court in an effort to stop the process, while SAPS said the court matter was separate from the internal hearing.

The report also notes that Sibiya faces a separate criminal case. He was arrested on 21 September on charges that include rape, human trafficking, sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl and a firearms offence. He denies the allegations and has not been convicted. Police said the resignation means the disciplinary process will not continue, leaving those workplace allegations unresolved.