From BBC News · · 1m 20s
Top South African police chief charged with sexual offences
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, a suspended deputy police commissioner, faces charges of grooming, rape and trafficking.
In brief
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, a suspended deputy police commissioner, faces charges of grooming, rape and trafficking. One of South Africa's highest-ranking police officers has been arrested and charged with serious sexual crimes, adding to scrutiny of the police service already under investigation for corruption…
Top cop arrested for sexual crimes
Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, South Africa's suspended deputy police commissioner, appeared in court charged with grooming a 16-year-old girl, raping an 18-year-old woman, and trafficking.
Serious charges against 59-year-old officer
The 59-year-old was detained on Monday and made no comment in court. He faces a bail hearing on September 29, with prosecutors expected to oppose his release.
Escape plan concerns raised
The state has requested the court move Sibiya to a different prison after indications of a potential escape plan emerged, according to South Africa's national broadcaster.
Trafficking charge suggests wider network
The trafficking charge indicates others may be arrested in connection with the case, potentially expanding the scope of the investigation beyond Sibiya himself.
Arrest adds to police corruption crisis
The charges come as South Africa's police service faces a major public inquiry into corruption and collusion with criminals. Sibiya previously denied allegations he received 20 impalas from a criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract.
The short version
One of South Africa's highest-ranking police officers has been arrested and charged with serious sexual crimes, adding to scrutiny of the police service already under investigation for corruption.
