Gauteng High Court Dismisses Shadrack Sibiya’s Appeal Against Leave of Absence, SA Welcomes the News
- The Gauteng High Court has delivered its verdict in Shadrack Sibiya's application to have his leave set aside
- The Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection was unhappy with a decision by General Fannie Masemola
- South Africans took to social media to share their thoughts on the ruling and Sibiya's insistence on returning to work
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Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The Gauteng High Court has ruled against Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya in his bid to return to work.
The Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection approached the court in Pretoria, asking that it review and overturn a decision made by General Fannie Masemola.
The National Police Commissioner placed Sibiya on a leave of absence following allegations made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
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The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Police Commissioner alleged that Sibiya played a role in the disbandment of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team. He also allegedly said that Sibiya asked for the 121 dockets that the team were investigating at the time.
What was the court’s ruling?
Just under a week after his legal team argued his case, the court has now officially dismissed the application. In its judgment, the High Court stated that Sibiya had not challenged any law or state conduct on constitutional grounds.
“Instead, he claimed that Masemola had gone beyond his powers in a normal disciplinary process,” the court ruled.
The court also found that Sibiya made “unfounded allegations” that Masemola was disregarding the upcoming Madlanga Commission by launching a “parallel investigation”.
“In the premises, the following order is made: The application is dismissed with costs,” the judgment read.
Source: Getty Images
What you need to know about the drama surrounding Sibiya
- Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi implicated Sibiya and Senzo Mchunu in a criminal syndicate.
- Sibiya said he was looking forward to the Commission of Inquiry to prove his innocence.
- Sibiya indicated his intention to challenge what he deemed to be an unlawful suspension.
- In August 2025, Masemola refused Sibiya’s ultimatum, leading to a legal showdown.
- Sibiya filed an extra affidavit on 1 September 2025 to boost his bid to be reinstated.
How did South Africans react to the ruling?
South Africans took to social media to share their thoughts on the decision, with many welcoming the ruling.
Nkululeko Gumede said:
“As a leader, he should have recused himself and not tried to fight the decision. That alone says a lot about the allegations.”
Jabu Shezi added:
“He thought he was clever this one.”
Hector Mashango Mudau stated:
“That was an easy decision from the judges. How can you fight for being put on leave?”
Sipho Mhlongo asked:
“What was he thinking? These are very serious allegations.”
Sir-Buja Nama stated:
“Thank you. He must spend time with his family.”
Sharlot Shazz Mags said:
“Man wanted to go back and delete files😭.”
Lorraine Chipana added:
“He amazes me. I have never heard of anyone refusing to take paid leave. What is that major project you have forgotten to accomplish, Sir?”
Bhut Simphiwe Deejays Ngcobo agreed:
“I wouldn't contest a decision to be paid while I’m doing nothing. Mara, this guy, mxm🤣.”
Wally Rooi stated:
“Best news ever. He wants to go back to work, but why? To cover his tracks?”
Bongani Ngobeni asked:
“Why is he so desperate to get back to work? Isn't getting full pay while sleeping at home a sweet thing?”
Disbanded task team was investigating Sibiya
Briefly News reported that allegations surfaced that the task team was supposed to investigate Sibiya and Mchunu.
A source within the security cluster claimed that the task team was working on arresting Sibiya before it was disbanded.
Members of the task team reportedly approached Gauteng and Mpumalanga prosecutors for an arrest warrant but were unsuccessful.
Source: Briefly News
