By Mapaballo Borotho
- Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is facing five charges, including sexual grooming of a 16-year-old, trafficking in persons and rape.
- Sibiya appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where his case was postponed to 29 September for a formal bail application.
- The State is expected to oppose bail, with the court hearing concerns about possible escape and interference with the investigation
The suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, is facing five charges, including sexual grooming, trafficking in persons, and rape.
Sibiya was arrested on Monday evening, 21 September 2026, at a strip club in Sandton by the Madlanga commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT)
He appeared before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, where his case was postponed to 29 September for a formal bail application.
He is accused of sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl and raping an 18-year-old teenager.
The alleged incidents reportedly took place between May and August 2026, with the alleged rape said to have occurred at a Sandton hotel in May.
State to oppose bail
The State will oppose bail amid concerns that Sibiya could potentially escape or interfere with the investigation.
The court heard allegations that Sibiya had been communicating with the 16-year-old girl via WhatsApp and had allegedly sent explicit images intended to facilitate a sexual act with the teenage girl.
The State alleges that the contact began after an associate of Sibiya gave him his daughter’s contact details in connection with transport-related matters.
Sibiya is also accused of taking the 16-year-old girl and the 18-year-old woman to a Sandton strip club, where the State alleges he gave them alcohol before the alleged rape of the 18-year-old.
Sibiya has since been moved to the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in the City of Tshwane, with authorities citing safety concerns and information received about a possible escape.
‘I am under siege’
The sexual offence case comes as Sibiya faces scrutiny in other matters.
In October 2025, police raided his home in Centurion amid allegations of corruption.
Sibiya was accused of defeating the ends of justice by allegedly removing KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team dockets from their designated offices.
That matter has not been placed before the court.
At the time, Sibiya described the raid as a ploy to push him out of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“I know they want to push me out. I will never resign; they must fire me,” he said.
‘Deeply disturbing’ allegations
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the allegations against Sibiya are deeply disturbing, particularly given the seniority and responsibility entrusted to a Lieutenant General.
“A police officer, and particularly a senior police officer, is entrusted with enormous responsibility to protect members of the public, uphold the law and safeguard the rights and dignity of women and children.
Where allegations of sexual offences are made against a member of the Service, they must be investigated without fear or favour, irrespective of the rank or position of the individual concerned,” he said.
Cachalia said the allegations are particularly troubling in the context of South Africa’s ongoing fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
“The SAPS cannot credibly lead the fight against gender-based violence while turning a blind eye to allegations of such conduct within its own ranks,” he said.
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