In brief
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, South Africa's deputy police chief, has resigned after being charged with sexual conduct, including grooming a minor and raping an adult woman, and is facing trafficking accusations. He denies all wrongdoing, claiming any sexual encounters were consensual, but was arrested weeks ago and is now in custody as the case unfolds during the Madlanga Commission inquiry into police corruption. Police officials dubbed his departure a dishonourable discharge. The episode highlights continued challenges in the country’s law‑enforcement sector.
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, South Africa's deputy police chief, has resigned after being charged with a range of sexual offences. A lawyer representing him submitted the resignation letter at a disciplinary hearing on Monday.
The charges allege that Sibiya sexually groomed a 16‑year‑old girl and raped an 18‑year‑old woman, in addition to a trafficking charge. He denies the accusations, claiming the encounter with the adult woman was consensual.
Sibiya has been in custody since his arrest three weeks ago following a denied bail application.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe described his exit as a “dishonourable discharge” in a post on X.
The resignation comes amid the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating corruption and alleged collusion within the police service. The inquiry has also heard allegations that Sibiya received 20 impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract – claims he has denied.
