South African Deputy Police Chief Resigns Amid Sexual Offense Charges
Lt. Gen. Shadrack Sibiya faces charges including sexual grooming, rape, and trafficking, and has been dishonorably discharged.
South Africa's deputy police chief, Lt. Gen. Shadrack Sibiya, has resigned three weeks after being charged with multiple sexual offenses. Sibiya's lawyer submitted his resignation letter during a disciplinary hearing on Monday, according to a police spokesperson.
The charges against Sibiya include allegations of sexually grooming a 16-year-old and raping an 18-year-old woman. He also faces a charge of trafficking. Sibiya has denied all charges, though he admitted to having consensual sex with the 18-year-old.
Sibiya had been in custody since his arrest, as his bail application was denied. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that Sibiya's departure from the police force is considered a dishonorable discharge.
Sibiya's case unfolds as the South African police service is under scrutiny at a major public inquiry. This inquiry, known as the Madlanga Commission, began in September 2025 and is investigating allegations of corruption and collusion with criminals within the police force. Sibiya himself faced accusations at the inquiry of receiving 20 impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract, which he has denied.