Legal experts and policing unions suggest that suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya may have a strong legal case to challenge his suspension.
Sibiya, who is in charge of crime detection, was asked to take a leave of absence by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. This decision followed serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Sibiya and other high-ranking officials of political interference and corruption. Sibiya has denied these claims.
Sibiya has now given Commissioner Masemola an ultimatum: reinstate him or face legal action. Masemola has stated he will not give in to this demand.
However, legal expert Elton Hart believes the suspension may not follow proper procedure. “The letter is clear and concise. And I think looking at the letter and SAPS regulations on discipline, they’ve got a good case and there’s merit,” Hart said.
This means the dispute will likely be resolved through a legal review of the suspension’s validity.