SAPS delays Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya disciplinary hearing to October 12 amid Labour Court challenge

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has postponed the disciplinary hearing of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya to October 12, 2026, the service confirmed on Tuesday.

Postponement comes as court challenge proceeds

Sibiya’s legal team filed an urgent application in the Labour Court seeking to stop the disciplinary proceedings that were scheduled to take place on Monday, matters SAPS says are running in parallel with the internal hearing.

SAPS statement and the hearing

SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the disciplinary process had not been halted and said the hearing and the Labour Court proceedings are separate matters. She said:

“The disciplinary hearing was heard today, with the Applicant’s request for a postponement granted.”

Labour Court matter adjourned

Mathe said the urgent application in the Labour Court was also heard and then adjourned to allow SAPS to file its opposing papers and to allow the applicant to file a replying affidavit before the court can hear the matter. She added that the Labour Court matter

remains sub judice

and that SAPS will refrain from commenting on the merits of the matter.

Allegations and prior findings

The Madlanga Commission previously recommended disciplinary action against Sibiya. Sibiya is currently in custody and faces six criminal charges, including rape, sexual grooming of a minor, human trafficking and negligent handling of a firearm.

What happens next

The disciplinary hearing has been rescheduled to October 12, 2026, to allow Sibiya time to consult with his legal representatives in preparation for the hearing, SAPS said.