South Africa’s suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, has been charged with sexual offences following his appearance before a court north of Johannesburg.
The 59-year-old senior police officer faces allegations involving the sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl and the rape of an 18-year-old woman. He is also charged with human trafficking.
Sibiya was arrested on Monday and appeared briefly at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. He did not enter a plea, and his case has been postponed to September 29, when he is expected to apply for bail. Prosecutors are expected to oppose the application.
According to the charge sheet reported by South African media, the alleged grooming of the 16-year-old occurred through WhatsApp between July and August. The rape allegation concerns an incident involving an 18-year-old woman at a hotel in Johannesburg in May. These remain allegations and have not been established by a court.
The state has also asked for Sibiya to be held at a different prison, citing indications of a possible escape plan, according to reports.
The case comes as South Africa’s police service faces scrutiny through the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating allegations of corruption and criminal activity involving members of the police service. Sibiya has previously denied allegations made against him in connection with the inquiry.
