High Court rules against Shadrack Sibiya in battle to return to SAPS
Shadrack Sibiya
Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, has failed in his attempt to overturn his suspension.
The Pretoria High Court on Tuesday dismissed Sibiya’s urgent application to resume his duties, following his enforced leave of absence in July.
The legal dispute, brought against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, the Minister of Police, and the President, centred on the legitimacy of the decision to remove him from active duty.
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In its unanimous judgment, the court ruled against Sibiya and ordered him to pay the costs of the application.
Sibiya’s lawyer, Ian Levitt, confirmed that his client intends to challenge the ruling. “Whilst our client respects the judgment, he has instructed us to file an appeal,” Levitt said.
The outcome prolongs uncertainty at the top of the South African Police Service (SAPS), already facing criticism over leadership battles and operational challenges.
