In brief
South Africa’s deputy police chief, Lt‑General Shadrack Sibiya, resigned after being charged with sexual offences that include grooming a 16‑year‑old girl, raping an 18‑year‑old woman and a trafficking offence. The accusations came just weeks after his bail application was denied and his arrest. Sibiya has denied the charges, claiming the alleged sexual encounter was consensual. His departure follows revelations from the Madlanga Commission, which is probing corruption and alleged collusion between police officials and organised crime groups. The resignation has intensified calls for reform within the South African Police Service.
Lt‑General Shadrack Sibiya, South Africa’s deputy police chief, has resigned after a lawyer submitted his resignation letter during a disciplinary hearing on Monday. He faces allegations that he sexually groomed a 16‑year‑old girl, raped an 18‑year‑old woman and was involved in a trafficking offence.
Sibiya maintains that the sexual act with the 18‑year‑old was consensual and denies all other charges. He has been in custody since his arrest three weeks ago, following the denial of his bail application.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe described his exit as a “dishonourable discharge,” highlighting the seriousness of the accusations.
The case comes during the Madlanga Commission, a public inquiry that began in September 2025 and investigates corruption and alleged collusion between police officials and organised crime groups. One of the allegations cited by the commission is that Sibiya received a gift of 20 impalas from a reputed criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract; he has denied this claim.
The resignation marks a significant moment in South Africa’s ongoing struggle to address misconduct within its policing institutions and restore public trust.
