Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, one of South Africa’s highest‑ranking police officers, has been charged with sexual offences following a brief court appearance north‑west of Johannesburg. The allegations involve grooming a 16‑year‑old girl and raping an 18‑year‑old woman, and he is also accused of trafficking, which could lead to further arrests.
Sibiya, who is currently suspended from his post as deputy police commissioner, remained silent during the proceedings. He is slated to appear again on 29 September for a bail application; prosecutors are expected to oppose bail. In a separate move, the state has asked that the prison he will be held in be changed amid concerns about a potential escape plan.
The charges unfold amid the Madlanga Commission’s investigation into police corruption and collusion with criminal figures. The inquiry has already heard that Sibiya allegedly received a ‘gift of 20 impalas’ from a suspected criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract, a claim he denies.
This case adds to the scrutiny surrounding the South African police service, which is under intense investigation for corruption and misconduct. The ongoing inquiry seeks to expose deeper ties between law enforcement and the criminal underworld, raising questions about the integrity of national security institutions.
