Sibiya's Resignation Must Signal an End to Impunity Within SAPS Leadership
JOHANNESBURG | Monday, 12 October 2026 — Public Interest SA notes the resignation of Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya from the South African Police Service (SAPS), shortly after the commencement of disciplinary proceedings against him today.
His departure presents a critical opportunity to confront the culture of impunity, compromised leadership and institutional dysfunction that has undermined accountability at the highest levels of SAPS.
However, resignation is not exoneration. Leaving public office cannot extinguish criminal liability, erase misconduct or absolve an official of responsibility for abusing public trust.
The timing of Sibiya's resignation raises legitimate questions about whether he sought to avoid the consequences of disciplinary proceedings. SAPS's reported classification of his departure as a dishonourable discharge underscores the seriousness of the circumstances surrounding his exit.
Sibiya remains embroiled in serious allegations arising from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, including alleged interference in criminal investigations, questionable relationships with individuals implicated in criminality and the possible compromise of confidential policing information.
Of particular concern are the circumstances surrounding the disbandment of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team and the handling of 121 criminal case dockets, alongside allegations involving businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.
Separately, Sibiya faces criminal charges, including allegations of rape, which must be adjudicated independently and without interference. He remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Public Interest SA expects the Commission Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) to pursue every credible allegation against Sibiya and other implicated senior officers, ensuring that evidence of criminal conduct is referred for investigation and, where warranted, prosecution.
The departure of Sibiya follows a succession of resignations, dismissals and investigations involving other senior officers, including Major-General Lesetja Senona, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, Major-General Richard Shibiri and Major-General Feroz Khan.
While these matters involve different allegations and legal processes, their cumulative effect raises profound concerns about the integrity of SAPS's senior command structures and the effectiveness of internal accountability mechanisms.
Public Interest SA cautions against treating these developments as isolated personnel matters. The Madlanga Commission has exposed allegations of criminal infiltration, abuse of authority, obstruction of justice and improper relationships that demand a comprehensive institutional response.
Removing compromised individuals without dismantling the networks and systems that enabled their alleged misconduct would amount to little more than cosmetic reform.
Public Interest SA therefore calls for:
Uninterrupted criminal investigations against implicated officers, regardless of whether they resign, retire or are dismissed.
An independent review of compromised investigations, particularly the handling of the 121 Political Killings Task Team dockets.
Accountability across SAPS command structures, including scrutiny of those who authorised, facilitated or concealed wrongdoing.
Effective protection of whistleblowers and witnesses who expose criminality within law enforcement.
Transparent implementation of the Madlanga Commission's recommendations, supported by measurable progress reports from the CRTT.
The overwhelming majority of dedicated police officers deserve leadership that upholds, rather than betrays, their commitment to public service.
No one is above the law — not a constable, not a brigadier and certainly not a general.
Sibiya's resignation must mark the beginning, not the end, of accountability. The ultimate measure of the Madlanga Commission's success will not be how many generals resign or are dismissed, but whether criminal networks are dismantled, perpetrators are brought to justice and public confidence in policing is restored.
South Africa cannot afford a police service in which accountability ends at the exit door.
ENDS
Issued by: Public Interest SA
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