Sibiya Challenges Police Chief’s Suspension Order

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has launched a court challenge against a “stay-at-home” directive issued by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

Sibiya argues the order is unlawful as it bypassed the South African Police Service’s disciplinary rules. His legal team has asked the Pretoria High Court to halt the directive until the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System – known as the Madlanga Commission – concludes its work.

The commission, set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year, was due to begin hearings on 1 September but has been delayed by logistical setbacks. It will probe claims of “police capture”, including allegations that senior SAPS officials colluded with syndicates, manipulated promotions and shielded politically connected figures.

Sibiya’s lawyers maintain that Commissioner Masemola is too closely implicated in these claims to preside fairly over his disciplinary process. The High Court is expected to hear the matter this week.