South Africa’s suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, has been charged with rape, human trafficking and the sexual grooming of a child, adding to mounting scrutiny of the country’s police leadership.
Sibiya, 59, was arrested on Monday and appeared before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. He faces five charges, including the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman and allegations involving a 16-year-old girl. He has not entered a plea, and the allegations have not been tested in court.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged rape occurred at a hotel in Johannesburg in May after the woman had allegedly become intoxicated. Prosecutors also allege that Sibiya communicated with the 16-year-old through WhatsApp between July and August and engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct involving the minor.
The state has indicated it will oppose bail, with Sibiya remaining in custody until a formal bail hearing scheduled for September 29.
Sibiya was already suspended amid allegations examined by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry concerning interference in sensitive police investigations. He has denied wrongdoing in those allegations.
The case comes as South Africa faces continuing concerns over gender-based violence and allegations of corruption and criminality within the police service.
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