Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, the embattled Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, has approached the Gauteng High Court in an urgent bid to return to work, according to News24.
Sibiya is challenging a directive issued by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, which ordered him to take a leave of absence amid serious allegations of misconduct. In court papers, Sibiya argues that the directive is unlawful and procedurally flawed, claiming it sidesteps official disciplinary processes.
He is seeking immediate reinstatement to his post, pending the outcome of a judicial inquiry appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The inquiry follows allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accusing Sibiya of interfering in political murder investigations and colluding with criminal elements.
Sibiya also wants the court to interdict Masemola from pursuing any parallel disciplinary action while the inquiry is ongoing.
The case has intensified scrutiny on internal divisions within the South African Police Service, as well as concerns over transparency and accountability in the handling of senior-level disputes.
A ruling on the matter is expected soon. SAPS has not yet publicly responded to the court challenge.