22.9.2026
A high-ranking South African police officer has been charged to court in Johannesburg for allegedly raping an 18-year-old woman and groom another 16-year-old girl for sex.
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, 59, is also facing a charge of trafficking, which would likely lead to the arrest of others involved.
The suspended deputy police commissioner, who was detained on Monday, has made no comment. He is expected to return to court again on September 29 for a bail application. Prosecutors are expected to oppose bail.
The state has also requested that the court change the prison where Sibiya will be held in the meantime as there are indications of a potential escape plan, national broadcaster SABC is reporting.
The case comes as the police service is in the spotlight at a major public inquiry over allegations of corruption and collusion with criminals.
The inquiry, known as the Madlanga Commission, began last September and has heard accusations that Sibiya received a gift of 20 impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract.
Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya.