Understand
South Africa's deputy police chief Shadrack Sibiya resigns following sexual offence charges
Overview
South Africa's deputy police chief, Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, has resigned during a disciplinary hearing, three weeks after being arrested and charged with sexual offences, including the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman and grooming of a 16-year-old girl. Police authorities confirmed his departure is treated as a dishonourable discharge. Sibiya has denied all charges, maintaining that the sexual encounter with the 18-year-old was consensual, and has remained in custody after being denied bail.
Key points
- South Africa's deputy police chief, Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, resigned via his lawyer at a disciplinary hearing.
- He faces charges including the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman, sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl, and trafficking.
- Sibiya has denied all charges, claiming the sexual relationship with the 18-year-old was consensual.
- He has remained in custody since his arrest three weeks prior after his bail application was refused.
- Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that Sibiya's exit is considered a dishonourable discharge.
- Sibiya was also linked to the Madlanga Commission inquiry investigating allegations of corruption and collusion with criminals, including denying claims he accepted impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin for a police contract.