In brief
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya stepped down as South Africa's deputy police chief following a disciplinary hearing amid allegations of sexual assault and links to organised crime. He denied the charges, claiming the rape was consensual, while a police spokesperson called his resignation a dishonourable discharge. The case unfolded amid the Madlanga Commission probing corruption in the country’s police force. Sibiya remains in custody as the investigation continues, raising questions about the state of law enforcement in South Africa.
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya has resigned from his post as South Africa’s deputy police chief, just three weeks after the army spokesperson was charged with sexual offences.
A lawyer submitted Sibiya’s resignation letter during his disciplinary hearing on Monday, according to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe. The former deputy chief, 59, was already under investigation last year over alleged ties to organised crime bosses.
Sibiya denies both the crime‑boss link and the sexual assault charges, stating that any sexual activity with an 18‑year‑old victim was consensual. He also denies accusations of grooming a 16‑year‑old girl and of human trafficking.
Police spokespersons called the resignation a dishonourable discharge, noting that Sibiya was still facing a disciplinary case when he left the force.
The accusations surfaced during the Madlanga Commission, a public inquiry into police corruption and collusion with criminals. The commission has highlighted widespread links between officers and crime bosses, including claims that Sibiya received money and livestock in exchange for police contracts.
Sibiya remains in custody as the investigation proceeds, underscoring the ongoing challenges of law enforcement integrity in South Africa.
