In brief
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, South Africa's deputy police chief, stepped down following charges of sexual grooming, rape and trafficking. The resignation came after a disciplinary hearing where he denied most allegations but admitted to consensual sex with an 18‑year‑old. Sibiya has been in custody since bail was denied. His departure coincides with the Madlanga Commission probing corruption and ties to criminal figures, including claims he accepted a gift of 20 impalas from a suspected kingpin. The case underscores the ongoing scrutiny of South Africa’s police service.
South Africa's deputy police chief has resigned three weeks after he was charged with sexual offences.
A lawyer representing Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya submitted his resignation letter at his disciplinary hearing on Monday, a police spokesperson said.
The charges relate to allegations that he sexually groomed a 16‑year‑old girl and raped an 18‑year‑old woman, and he is also facing a charge of trafficking.
Sibiya has denied all the charges. He claims the sex with the 18‑year‑old was consensual.
He has been in custody since he was arrested three weeks ago after his bail application was denied.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said in a post on X that his departure was regarded as a dishonourable discharge.
The case comes as the police service is under scrutiny in a major public inquiry over allegations of corruption and collusion with criminals.
The inquiry, known as the Madlanga Commission, began in September 2025 and has heard accusations that Sibiya received a gift of 20 impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract. He denied the allegation.
