# 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.
- Title: Top South African police chief charged with sexual offences
- Summary: Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, a suspended deputy police commissioner, faces charges of grooming, rape and trafficking. One of South Africa's highest-ranking police…
- Keywords: shadrack sibiya, south africa police, sexual offences, rape charge, trafficking charge, deputy police commissioner, johannesburg, madlanga commission, police corruption, news, world, Top
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwjdvgx77n0zo
- Published: 2026-09-22T16:54:41.075+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: shadrack sibiya, south africa police, sexual offences, rape charge, trafficking charge, deputy police commissioner, johannesburg, madlanga commission, police corruption, news, world
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.