Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has been served with notice to attend an expedited SAPS disciplinary hearing arising from allegations made at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
This was confirmed by the national police on Tuesday, September 29, when Sibiya appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court for his bail hearing on separate charges of the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman, grooming of a 16-year-old minor and trafficking.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is investigating allegations of collusion and corruption between politicians, senior police, prosecutors, intelligence operatives, and elements of the judiciary, levelled by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“Witness C" testified at the inquiry that businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala allegedly made recurring cash payments to Sibiya, including R300,000 cash toward a family event and R2 million toward a Midrand property venture/B&B. It was further alleged by another witness that Matlala procured and paid for 20 impalas to be delivered to Sibiya's property
In its report to President Cyril Ramaphosa in August, the commission recommended disciplinary charges against Sibiya.
SAPS disciplinary hearing
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Sibiya was served on Tuesday morning in the court holding cells with a notice to attend a disciplinary hearing on October 5, regarding allegations arising from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
“We can confirm that the presiding officer, a senior officer, served him this morning, and the disciplinary hearing is set down for October 5. We will be guided by the court, but for now, if he is still in custody, we will then organise with Correctional Services to allow that particular hearing to sit in Kgosi Mampuru II (prison). If he is out on bail, the venue where this particular hearing will sit will be communicated to him,” Mathe said.
She added that the investigations in connection with the disciplinary action had been finalised. Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Jan Petrus Scheepers, will preside over Sibiya’s disciplinary hearing on Monday, Mathe said.
In his criminal case, Sibiya, who is applying for bail, said in an affidavit read out to the court by his lawyer, Estelle Kilian SC, that he intended to plead not guilty and the charges against him were a ‘diabolical plan’ meant to sabotage him.
Sibiya also told the court that he must be physically present for the SAPS disciplinary hearing. He argued this as part of his case for bail.
He also said he is a father of four adults and two minor children. He denied raping an 18-year-old woman and told the court that the sexual intercourse was consensual.
Sibiya’s lawyer stated that his client is not a flight risk and will not interfere with witnesses.
The defence also submitted documents to the State. State prosecutor Velile Makhasana asked for a postponement until Thursday so they could look through the documents.
Sibiya was remanded in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II and will return to court on Thursday.
Kaizer Kganyago, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the State requested the postponement so they can assess the documents presented presented by Sibiya.
“The reason we asked for a postponement is we were given the documents this morning, and we have to then read those documents. We were also made aware of a witness who was presented, and we didn’t have the documents to start interrogating him. Therefore, it was important for us to ask for a postponement so that we could read the documents prepared, but also consult."
gcwalisile.khanyile@nationalmg.co.za