Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has resigned from the South African Police Service (SAPS), bringing his employment with the police to an immediate end.

According to The Citizen, Sibiya’s resignation was submitted by his lawyers on Monday, 12 October, just as a disciplinary hearing against him was due to begin.

SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that because Sibiya still had an active disciplinary case when he resigned, his departure is regarded by the police service as a “dishonourable discharge”.

Multiple disciplinary proceedings

Sibiya had reportedly been served with three separate disciplinary notices before his resignation.

One hearing was scheduled for November, while another involved allegations emerging from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The latter had initially been scheduled for 5 October but was postponed until 12 October after Sibiya approached the Labour Court in an attempt to stop the disciplinary process.

SAPS had not publicly confirmed a date for the third hearing.

Sibiya faces serious allegations

Sibiya has faced scrutiny over allegations linked to criminality, corruption and interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system.

The Citizen reports that he was accused of colluding with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu over the disbandment of the political killings task team. It was alleged that the move was intended to protect organised crime syndicates from investigation. These claims remain allegations.

Evidence presented at the Madlanga Commission has also included claims about Sibiya’s alleged relationship with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Separately, Sibiya faces criminal charges including sexual grooming, human trafficking and rape involving two young women. He remains in custody while seeking bail.

A controversial policing career

Sibiya previously headed the Hawks in Gauteng before being dismissed in 2015 over allegations connected to the illegal rendition of Zimbabwean nationals.

His dismissal was overturned by the Labour Appeal Court in May 2022 and he returned to SAPS two months later.

He was promoted to deputy national police commissioner for crime detection in July 2023 before being placed on special leave in July 2025 and suspended two months later.

His resignation now formally ends his employment with SAPS.