Shadrack Sibiya resigns from SAPS amid disciplinary proceedings

October 12, 2026 16

Embattled top cop, Shadrack Sibiya, has resigned from the South African Police Service (SAPS) while facing criminal charges and allegations of corruption.

The former Deputy National Police Commissioner’s lawyers submitted his resignation letter shortly after a disciplinary hearing into allegations that emerged from the Madlanga Commission resumed today.

SAPS has classified his departure as a dishonourable discharge, as he resigned while disciplinary proceedings against him were still underway.

Sibiya served in the police service for more than three decades and was appointed Deputy National Police Commissioner in 2023.

His career has been marked by controversy. In 2015, he was dismissed as head of the Hawks in Gauteng after a disciplinary process found him guilty in connection with the illegal deportation of Zimbabwean nationals in 2010. He was later reinstated.

Sibiya came under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission over alleged links to alleged underworld figure, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, including claims that he received kickbacks from him and leaked confidential police information.

Most recently, the former senior cop found himself in hot water, facing separate criminal allegations involving the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman, as well as trafficking, rape and grooming allegations involving a 16-year-old girl.

The state alleges that Sibiya took the 18-year-old woman and her friends to a strip club, bought them alcohol and later raped her while she was unconscious.

Sibiya has denied raping the woman, telling the court that they had engaged in consensual sexual intercourse.

He is also accused of asking the 16-year-old girl to send him explicit content. Sibiya has denied wrongdoing, claiming the allegations form part of an attempt to force him out of the police service.

He further told the court that the teenager’s father had informed him that she had a crush on him.

The 59-year-old is expected back in court on Tuesday, to continue his bail application.

NOW:

Three seniors saps members from the service have been dismissed.

↩️ Former Major General and national head of organised crime, Richard “Richi” Shibiri

↩️Former Brigadier and head of Service Quality Management of SAPS,
Rachel “Diva” Matjeng

↩️ Former Major-General and Crime Intelligence officer, Firoz Khan (Challenging in court)

RESIGNED

HAWKS
↩️ Former Major General and KZN hawks head, Leseja Senona
↩️Former Deputy Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya

IN COMMON:

All individuals implicated at the #MadlangaCommission of Inquiry are alleged to have associations with Vusimusi Cat Matlala.

@eNCA

— Pule Letshwiti-Jones (@pule_jones) October 12, 2026

A thug that used to pose as a Lt. Gen. Shadrack Sibiya has resigned from SAPS https://t.co/8tgWrjEjol

— Ignatious 🎓 (@t_ignatious_d) October 12, 2026

Haybo Shadrack Sibiya resigned j thought uMkhwanazi bekakhuluma into angayaz🤣🤣🤣

— phindile senene (@phindile_01047) October 12, 2026

I have a feeling Shadrack Sibiya and Feroz Khan will team up, work in the shadows of the pice and criminal network of which they have established connections. Mark my words! Remember as things stand both have no reliable income going forward.

— Phuthumile (@WatuJayP) October 12, 2026

At his retirement age Shadrack Sibiya decided that ,he doesn’t want to be free instead he will retire in his cell .

— Sunflower (@Sunflowerreal) October 12, 2026

General Shadrack Sibiya was due to face a disciplinary hearing today, but instead, he resigned. One can only wonder whether the timing is a coincidence. With legal battles potentially ahead, that pension could come in handy for legal fees. https://t.co/9tF0b9cBRU

— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) October 12, 2026

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

bail application criminal charges disciplinary proceedings Madlanga Commission Police corruption SAPS Shadrack Sibiya Vusimuzi Cat Matlala