South African deputy police chief charged with sexual offences

September 22, 2026 at 09:54 PM2 min

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South African deputy police commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya was charged with sexual offences at a court north-west of Johannesburg. The charges relate to allegations that he sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl and raped an 18-year-old woman. He is also facing a trafficking charge, and prosecutors are expected to oppose bail at his next appearance on 29 September.

Key Facts

Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, 59, was charged with sexual offences at a court north-west of Johannesburg.
The charges relate to allegations that Sibiya sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl and raped an 18-year-old woman.
Sibiya is also facing a charge of trafficking, which could mean that others may be arrested in relation to this case.
Sibiya is due to appear in court again on 29 September for a bail application, and prosecutors are expected to oppose bail.
The state has requested that the court change the prison where Sibiya will be held, citing indications of a potential escape plan, according to national broadcaster SABC.

The Charges

Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, one of South Africa's highest ranking police officers, was charged with sexual offences at a brief court appearance north-west of Johannesburg. The charges relate to allegations that he sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl and raped an 18-year-old woman. Sibiya is also facing a charge of trafficking, which could mean that others may be arrested in relation to this case. The suspended deputy police commissioner, who was detained on Monday, made no comment in court.

Bail and Detention

The 59-year-old is due to appear in court again on 29 September 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.

Madlanga Commission Context

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. Sibiya denied that allegation.