SAPS says Sibiya disciplinary process will continue after postponement to 12 October

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says an internal disciplinary process against Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya is continuing after a hearing that sat on 5 October 2026 was postponed to 12 October 2026 to allow him to consult legal counsel, The Citizen reports.

Postponement and parallel court action

The hearing that sat on 5 October granted Sibiya’s request for a postponement to 12 October 2026, according to The Citizen. Separately, Sibiya has launched an urgent Labour Court application seeking to halt the internal disciplinary process; that court matter was adjourned to allow SAPS to file opposing papers and for Sibiya to submit a reply.

SAPS stance and planned opposition

According to The Citizen, SAPS maintains the internal disciplinary proceedings “are proceeding and have not been halted” and has said it will oppose attempts to stop the process. The service has drawn a distinction between its internal disciplinary process and the separate criminal charges Sibiya faces.

“[SAPS] are proceeding and have not been halted,” Brigadier Athlenda Mathe is quoted by The Citizen as saying, and that SAPS would not comment on the merits while the matter remained sub judice.

Allegations and hearing timetable

The Citizen reports that Sibiya faces three separate disciplinary notices arising from evidence at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, relating to alleged corruption and misconduct. Those reports identify allegations about links to alleged underworld figures and the handling of task-team dockets; these are allegations, not findings of guilt, and Sibiya has denied wrongdoing.

Media reporting cited by The Citizen also notes additional disciplinary hearing periods for one of Sibiya’s other matters scheduled for 2–6 November and 10–20 November 2026.

Disciplinary process kept separate from criminal case

The Citizen emphasises that SAPS distinguishes the internal disciplinary proceedings from the criminal case in the courts. The disciplinary process, SAPS says, will continue while the Labour Court application proceeds through filings and replies.