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Police top bras including Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya and National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola.
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria will tomorrow morning hear SAPS Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lt-General Shadrack Sibiya’s bid to invalidate National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola’s decision to direct Sibiya to stay at home pending an investigation.
The impugned decision came after Sibiya was placed at the centre of allegations of corruption and misconduct within the South African Police Service by KwaZulu-Natal top cop, Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Sibiya charges in papers that the impugned decision is in breach of his contract of employment and the Discipline Regulations.
He further argues that the said decision was made against the backdrop of untested allegations adding that these untested allegations do not warrant a “stay at home” order nor does it empower the National Commissioner to make such an order.
Masemola vs Sibiya | Masemola refuses to comment further on the looming court battle:
Following Masemola’s decision last month, Sibiya said he was surprised to receive a letter stating that he has been placed on special leave.
He added at the time that he was ready to defend his dignity before the judicial commission of inquiry, saying the police service had been put to the test.
“These other investigations – clandestine investigations – and kangaroo disciplinary proceedings worry me. But be that as it may, the law is on my side, and I will be ready to attend to this matter. I’ve got a legal team that is supporting me. But I wanna say it is my prayer, and my wish, including the national commissioner, including everybody who’s involved to allow the process as announced by the president to take its natural course,” he said.
The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (Casac) last month welcomed a briefing by the acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on the timelines of his commission that will investigate allegations of corruption in the police force and judiciary.
The allegations by Mkhwanazi implicated Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has since been placed on a leave of absence.
Casac Executive Director Lawson Naidoo said that it seemed like work by the commission has started behind the scenes.
Lt Gen Sibiya reacts to Mkhwanazi corruption allegations:
