South Africa’s deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya resigned on Monday shortly after a disciplinary hearing against him began, with his former employers declaring that his departure would be treated as a “dishonourable discharge”.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said Sibiya’s lawyer submitted his resignation after disciplinary proceedings had commenced, bringing an immediate end to his employment with the police service.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, SAPS said Sibiya was no longer an employee of the organisation with effect from Monday.
“The SAPS confirms that Lieutenant General Sibiya’s employment with the Service has been terminated with immediate effect,” a SAPS spokesperson said.
“As the former senior officer had an ongoing disciplinary case against him at the time of his resignation, his departure from the Service is therefore regarded as a dishonourable discharge.”
The resignation marks a dramatic fall for one of South Africa’s most senior police officers, who had already been suspended since September last year amid mounting allegations of misconduct.
Sibiya is currently being held in custody after his arrest last month on charges relating to the alleged rape and grooming of a minor.
He has denied the allegations. His bail application has been postponed to Tuesday.
The former deputy police chief has also been at the centre of a widening corruption scandal that has fuelled concerns about criminal infiltration of South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.
He has featured prominently in testimony before a judicial commission of inquiry examining allegations of corruption within SAPS and links between senior police officials and organised crime networks.
During proceedings, witnesses accused Sibiya of accepting substantial cash payments and gifts from individuals alleged to be involved in criminal activities.
Sibiya has denied the allegations, rejecting claims that he received illicit benefits or acted improperly.
JN/APA