In brief
Lt. Gen. Shadrack Sibiya stepped down from the South African police service three weeks after facing sexual offence charges, including alleged grooming of a 16‑year‑old and rape of an 18‑year‑old. He denies the accusations but has been in custody since denial of his bail application. The resignation comes as the police remain under scrutiny by the Madlanga Commission, which investigates corruption and collusion among officials. The inquiry has highlighted alleged deals between police leaders and criminal figures, further clouding the department’s reputation. Authorities describe the departure as a dishonourable discharge, while supporters argue for presumption of innocence.
South Africa’s deputy police chief resigns after being charged with sexual offences
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya submitted a resignation letter at a disciplinary hearing on Monday, following charges that he groomed a 16‑year‑old girl and raped an 18‑year‑old woman. Sibiya has denied all claims, asserting that his relationship with the adult was consensual. He has been held in custody since his arrest, after a bail request was rejected.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe called the resignation a dishonourable discharge. The event occurs as the South African Police Service is deeply entrenched in the Madlanga Commission, a public inquiry investigating allegations of corruption and collaboration with organised crime.
The Commission has aired accusations that Sibiya received a 20‑animal impala gift from a suspected criminal kingpin in return for a police contract. He has also denied that exchange, maintaining a stance of innocence. The investigation continues to scrutinise leadership conduct and systemic corruption within the force.
