A senior South African police officer has appeared in court facing charges including rape, sexual grooming and human trafficking, adding a new and serious dimension to the controversy surrounding his suspension.
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, 59, the suspended deputy national police commissioner for crime detection, was detained on Monday and made a brief appearance at a court north west of Johannesburg. He is accused of sexually grooming a 16 year old girl and raping an 18 year old woman.
Sibiya has not commented publicly on the allegations. He is expected back in court on 29 September for a bail application, which prosecutors are expected to oppose.
The charges relate to allegations that Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl and raped an 18-year-old woman.
The state has also asked for him to be transferred to another correctional facility amid reported concerns about a possible escape plan, according to SABC News.
The criminal case comes as Sibiya is already under intense scrutiny through the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is examining allegations of corruption, criminal infiltration and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Evidence presented to the commission has included allegations linking Sibiya to businessman and alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Witnesses have claimed that Matlala provided Sibiya with money and 20 impalas in return for influence and assistance involving police matters.
Sibiya has strongly denied receiving the animals or accepting improper benefits from Matlala. During his testimony, he said no impalas had been delivered to his property.
