Top South African policeman charged with sexual offences
Shadrack Sibiya, who has made no comment, is alleged to have groomed a 16-year-old and raped an 18-year-old.
Top South African policeman charged with sexual offences
One of South Africa’s most senior police officers has been charged with sexual offences after a short court appearance at a court north-west of Johannesburg.
The allegations against Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya include sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl and raping an 18-year-old woman. He also faces a trafficking charge, which could indicate that other people may be arrested in connection with the case.
The suspended deputy police commissioner, who was arrested on Monday, has not commented.
The 59-year-old is scheduled to return to court on 29 September for a bail application. Prosecutors are expected to oppose bail.
The state has also asked the court to move the prison where Sibiya will be held for now, after indications of a possible escape plan, national broadcaster SABC reports.
The case comes while the police service is under scrutiny at a major public inquiry into allegations of corruption and collusion with criminals.
The inquiry, called the Madlanga Commission, started last September and has heard claims that Sibiya received 20 impalas as a gift from an alleged criminal kingpin in return for a police contract.
He denied the allegation.