Top South African police officer charged with raping woman, 18, and grooming 16-year-old girl

Shadrack Sibiya, a senior South African police officer and deputy national police commissioner, has been arrested and charged with raping an 18-year-old woman and grooming a 16-year-old girl. The alleged rape occurred in May at a Johannesburg hotel, while the grooming allegedly took place via WhatsApp in July and August. Sibiya, who was already suspended for alleged interference in political killings investigations, faces additional charges including people trafficking and promoting child grooming. He appeared in a Johannesburg court and was taken to prison pending a bail hearing. This arrest comes as South Africa grapples with femicide and allegations of police corruption and criminality. Acting police officials condemned the alleged conduct and emphasized the need for impartial investigations.

Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, a high-ranking South African police officer, has been charged with sexual offenses, including grooming a 16-year-old and raping an 18-year-old. He also faces a charge of trafficking. Sibiya, who is suspended, appeared in court north-west of Johannesburg and has made no comment. Prosecutors are expected to oppose his bail application, scheduled for September 29, and have requested he be moved to a different prison due to concerns about a potential escape plan. This case emerges as the police service is under scrutiny at a public inquiry regarding corruption allegations, where Sibiya previously denied receiving impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin.