Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, has lost his bid to return to work following a court battle against National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
Sibiya approached the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria after being placed on a leave of absence pending an internal investigation. He sought to have Masemola’s decision reviewed and set aside, while also applying for an interdict to stop any further disciplinary action.
The case was heard on 3 September 2025 before a full bench of the High Court, which initially reserved judgment. On Tuesday, the court dismissed Sibiya’s application, effectively upholding Masemola’s decision.
The ruling means that Sibiya will remain on leave while the investigation continues. Details of the inquiry have not yet been made public, but the decision marks a significant setback for the senior police officer’s efforts to challenge his suspension.
