Sibiya hit with separate firearm charge and new disciplinary notices while in custody

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has been charged with possession of a firearm and has been served with two additional disciplinary notices while in custody, his legal team told the court.

New firearm charge linked to arrest

Sibiya’s lawyers told the court the firearm charge relates to a gun found in his possession on the day of his arrest. They argued the firearm charge should have been included with the other criminal charges rather than served separately.

Additional disciplinary notices served in custody

While in custody, Sibiya was served with two further disciplinary notices in addition to an earlier notice issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS). His lawyers said one of the notices had allegedly been left in his cell and that Sibiya could not recall the date of the disciplinary hearing; they said they would address the matter once they had the relevant information.

SAPS confirmation and expedited hearing

SAPS confirmed that Sibiya will face an internal disciplinary hearing on 5 October over allegations arising from the Madlanga Commission inquiry.

“The disciplinary hearing will be conducted on an expedited basis under Regulation 9, which applies to serious allegations, including corruption,”

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Sibiya had been formally served with a notice while in police custody.

Criminal charges before the court

Sibiya is appearing before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on criminal charges that include rape, grooming a minor and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. The state alleges he raped an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel on 16 May after she was allegedly given alcohol and became unconscious; that he groomed a 16-year-old girl via WhatsApp between July and August and allegedly possessed and distributed sexual images of her; and that he trafficked three people for sexual exploitation.

Sibiya was arrested last week following an investigation by the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team, which is examining matters arising from the Madlanga Commission. He is currently appearing in court for the continuation of his bail hearing.

This is a developing story.